Best 3 Foolproof Pie Dough Recipes

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Indulge in the art of pie-making with our comprehensive guide to creating the perfect pie dough. Discover the secrets to a flaky, golden crust that will elevate any pie filling. Learn essential techniques such as measuring and mixing ingredients accurately, handling dough properly to prevent gluten development, and chilling the dough to achieve optimal flakiness.

This foolproof pie dough recipe provides detailed instructions for making a classic all-purpose pie dough, suitable for a variety of pies and tarts. Additionally, we offer variations to cater to different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Explore the gluten-free pie dough option for those with gluten sensitivities, or experiment with a savory pie dough for hearty meat pies and savory tarts.

For those seeking a vegan pie dough, we've got you covered. Our vegan pie dough recipe uses plant-based ingredients to create a flaky and delicious crust that will satisfy your vegan lifestyle. And if you're looking for a sweet twist, try our chocolate pie dough recipe, which incorporates cocoa powder for a rich and decadent crust that pairs perfectly with sweet fillings.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, our foolproof pie dough guide has everything you need to create stunning pies that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delightful journey into the world of pie-making!

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

FOOLPROOF PIE DOUGH (WITH VODKA!?)



Foolproof Pie Dough (With Vodka!?) image

I am so excited about this recipe! I just found it in Cook's Illustrated Magazine, November, 2007. I just may enjoy making pie crust again! The article is by J Kenji Alt.

Provided by Chef PotPie

Categories     Dessert

Time 55m

Yield 1 pie, 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (12 1/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons sugar
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch slices (1 1/2 sticks)
1/2 cup chilled vegetable shortening, cut into 4 pieces
1/4 cup vodka, cold
1/4 cup cold water

Steps:

  • Process 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined, about 2 one-second pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until homogenous dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps, about 15 seconds (dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour). Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute dough evenly around processor blade. Add remaining cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up, 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty mixture into medium bowl.
  • Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture. With rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix, pressing down on dough until dough is slightly tacky and sticks together. Divide dough into two even balls and flatten each into 4-inch disk. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.

FOOLPROOF PIE DOUGH FROM COOK'S ILLUSTRATED



FOOLPROOF PIE DOUGH FROM COOK'S ILLUSTRATED image

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (121/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons sugar
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (11/2 sticks), cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening, cut into 4 pieces
1/4 cup vodka, cold
1/4 cup cold water.

Steps:

  • 1. Process 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined, about 2 one-second pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until homogeneous dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps, about 15 seconds (dough will resemble cottage-cheese curds, and there should be no uncoated flour). Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute dough evenly around processor blade. Add remaining cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up, 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty mixture into medium bowl. 2. Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture. With rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix, pressing down on dough until dough is slightly tacky and sticks together. Divide dough into two even balls and flatten each into 4-inch disk. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days.

FOOLPROOF PIE DOUGH



FOOLPROOF PIE DOUGH image

Categories     Bake

Number Of Ingredients 8

For one 9-inch Double-Crust Pie
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (12 1/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons sugar
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening , cut into 4 pieces
1/4 cup vodka , cold
1/4 cup cold water

Steps:

  • See Illustrations Below: Key Steps to Foolproof Pie Dough 1. Process 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, and sugar in food processor until combined, about 2 one-second pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until homogenous dough just starts to collect in uneven clumps, about 15 seconds (dough will resemble cottage cheese curds and there should be no uncoated flour). Scrape bowl with rubber spatula and redistribute dough evenly around processor blade. Add remaining cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up, 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty mixture into medium bowl. 2. Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture. With rubber spatula, use folding motion to mix, pressing down on dough until dough is slightly tacky and sticks together. Divide dough into two even balls and flatten each into 4-inch disk. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days. Step-by-Step: Key Steps to Foolproof Pie Dough 1. MAKE A FAT AND FLOUR PASTE: Completely blending part of the flour with all of the butter ensures a consistent amount of fat-coated flour in the final dough. 2. ADD MORE FLOUR: Pulsing in the final cup of flour ensures a consistent amount of uncoated flour in the final dough. 3. ADD WATER AND VODKA: Sprinkling with water and vodka ensures even distribution. No need to skimp-unlike water, vodka won't make the dough tough.

Tips:

  • Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and water prevent the gluten in the flour from developing too much, resulting in a more tender and flaky crust.
  • Work quickly: Overworking the dough will also develop the gluten and make the crust tough. Work the dough just enough to bring it together.
  • Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to roll out. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
  • Use a light touch when rolling out the dough: Rolling the dough too hard will make it tough. Use a light touch and roll the dough out evenly.
  • Don't overfill the pie: Overfilling the pie will make the crust soggy. Fill the pie no more than two-thirds full.
  • Bake the pie at a high temperature: Baking the pie at a high temperature will help to create a golden brown crust. Bake the pie at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 30-45 minutes.

Conclusion:

Making pie dough can be a daunting task, but it's definitely worth it when you taste the results. By following these tips, you can make a perfect pie dough every time. So next time you're in the mood for a delicious pie, don't be afraid to give it a try!

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