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Raw pie dough being gently placed into a glass pie dish, showcasing the smooth texture of the all-butter pie dough.

Homemade Pie Crust Recipe (That's Actually Easy!)

Unlock the secret to bakery-quality pies with this foolproof Homemade Pie Crust Recipe. This guide delivers a perfectly flaky, buttery, and tender crust every single time, giving you the perfect foundation for all your favorite pies.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 crusts
Course: Dessert, Pastry
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pie Crust
  • 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter very cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar optional, for sweet pies
  • 0.5 cup Ice Water use as needed

Equipment

  • 1 Food processor
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 9-inch pie plate

Instructions
 

Pie Crust
  1. In the bowl of a food processor, add the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Pulse a few times to combine.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter. Pulse in short bursts (8-10 times) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  3. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of ice water over the mixture. Pulse until the dough starts to come together in large clumps. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, only if needed. Do not overmix.
  4. Turn the dough onto a clean surface, divide in half, and form each half into a 1-inch thick disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Proceed with your pie recipe's instructions for baking.

Notes

Keep Everything Cold: For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and water are ice cold. You can even chill your food processor bowl.
Don't Overwork: Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent a tough crust. The visible pieces of butter are your friends!
Rest is Best: Don't skip the chilling time. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten and ensuring a tender, flaky result.
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