Classic Apple Pie Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Ensure your butter is cold. Cut it into small cubes and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare a cup of ice water and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. There should be small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough.
- Add Ice Water:
- Gradually add the ice water to the flour and butter mixture, starting with 1/4 cup. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until the dough starts to come together. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed. The dough should be moist but not sticky and should hold together when pressed.
- Form the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- When ready to use, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one disc of dough to fit your pie dish, about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Roll out the second disc of dough for the top crust or cut it into strips for a lattice crust. Add your apple pie filling to the prepared bottom crust. If using a full top crust, place it over the filling and trim the excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal. If using a lattice crust, weave the strips over the filling and crimp the edges.
- Chill the Pie:
- Once assembled, chill the pie in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up the dough before baking.
- Bake the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the pie for about 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling period helps the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
Enjoy your homemade apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!