Making a perfect pie crust can feel like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and a few helpful tips, anyone can achieve bakery-worthy results. If you’ve been searching for a pie crust that’s consistently flaky, tender, and easy to handle, look no further than The Pioneer Woman’s Perfect Pie Crust recipe. This recipe, featured in Ree Drummond’s popular cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays, combines simple ingredients and straightforward instructions to create a truly exceptional pie crust.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays Cookbook Cover
Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has become a household name thanks to her approachable recipes and charming glimpses into ranch life. Her cookbooks are beloved for their clear, step-by-step instructions and delicious, family-friendly recipes. This pie crust recipe is a standout, known for its reliable results and wonderful texture. The secret? It’s all in the combination of butter and vegetable shortening, along with the precise technique outlined in her cookbook.
Why does this recipe work so well? The combination of butter and Crisco (vegetable shortening) is key to achieving the ideal pie crust texture. Butter contributes rich flavor and flakiness, while shortening adds tenderness and makes the crust easier to work with. This recipe strikes the perfect balance, giving you a crust that is both flavorful and beautifully textured. And with the detailed, step-by-step instructions in The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays cookbook, you’ll have visual guidance every step of the way.
Step-by-step photo instructions in The Pioneer Woman Cookbook for perfect pie crust
Ready to bake your own perfect pie crust? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Perfect Pie Crust
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces (like Crisco)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 5 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman’s Pie Crust
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Fats: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold vegetable shortening and cold butter pieces.
- Cut in the Fat: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the shortening and butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some small pieces of butter and shortening throughout.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Add the vinegar to the egg and then pour this mixture over the flour mixture.
- Add Ice Water: Sprinkle 5 tablespoons of ice water over the flour mixture.
- Bring Dough Together: Stir the mixture with a fork until the dough just comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add an additional tablespoon or two of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Divide and Chill: Divide the dough in half and form each half into a ball. Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and flatten slightly into a disc.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped dough discs in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for a flaky crust.
- Roll and Bake: Remove the dough from the freezer about 30 minutes before you are ready to roll it out. This allows it to soften slightly but remain cold. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use as directed in your pie recipe.
Tips for Pie Crust Perfection
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold ingredients are essential for a flaky pie crust. Make sure your butter, shortening, egg, and water are all very cold. Some bakers even chill their flour!
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough develops gluten, which can make your pie crust tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Chill Time is Key: Freezing the dough allows the gluten to relax and the fats to solidify, resulting in a flakier and more tender crust.
- Handle Gently: When rolling out the dough, use a light touch and avoid stretching it too much.
This recipe is not only perfect for holiday pies but also for any occasion that calls for a homemade pie. From fruit pies to savory quiches, a reliable pie crust is the foundation of countless delicious recipes. And with The Pioneer Woman’s guidance, you’re well on your way to pie-baking success.
For more fantastic recipes and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays cookbook. It’s packed with holiday-themed recipes and Ree’s signature easy-to-follow style. You can find it online at Amazon.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a truly perfect pie crust using The Pioneer Woman’s trusted recipe! Your family and friends will thank you for it.
