Creating the perfect pie starts with the perfect crust, and Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, has just the recipe to ensure your pies are a hit every time. Her pie dough recipe, celebrated for its flaky and tender texture, is a favorite among home bakers. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can master it in your own kitchen.
Why The Pioneer Woman’s Pie Dough Recipe Stands Out
Ree Drummond has built a culinary empire by sharing approachable and delicious recipes, and her pie dough is no exception. This recipe distinguishes itself by using a combination of vegetable shortening (Crisco) and butter. This duo is key to achieving the ideal pie crust texture:
- Crisco: Vegetable shortening contributes to the flakiness of the crust. It has a higher melting point than butter, which means it stays solid for longer during mixing. This creates pockets of fat that, when baked, result in flaky layers.
- Butter: Butter adds rich flavor and tenderness to the pie crust. Its lower melting point helps create a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Together, Crisco and butter provide the best of both worlds, giving you a pie crust that is both wonderfully flaky and deeply flavorful.
Step-by-step instructions for The Pioneer Woman's pie dough recipe
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Pie Dough
This recipe yields enough dough for two pie crusts, perfect for a double-crust pie or two single-crust pies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable shortening, chilled and cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, chilled 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 Pie Dough
Follow these simple steps to create your own perfect pie dough:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Incorporate Fats: Add the chilled vegetable shortening and butter pieces to the flour mixture.
- Cut in Fats: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see some pea-sized pieces of butter and shortening – this is crucial for flakiness.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Add the vinegar to the egg, then add this mixture to the flour mixture.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition. Mix until the dough just comes together. You may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of ice water if the dough seems too dry, but be careful not to add too much, as overworking the dough will make it tough.
- Form Dough Balls: Divide the dough in half and form each half into a ball.
- Chill Dough: Wrap each dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and flatten slightly into disks. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. This chilling time is essential as it allows the gluten to relax and the fats to solidify, making the dough easier to roll out and less likely to shrink during baking.
- Roll Out Dough: When ready to bake, remove one dough disk from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before rolling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape for your pie.
Tips for Pie Dough Perfection
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold ingredients are key to a flaky pie crust. Make sure your butter, shortening, egg, and water are all well-chilled.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling step! It makes the dough easier to handle and improves the texture of the baked crust.
- Use Ice Water: Ice water keeps the dough cold and prevents the butter and shortening from melting prematurely.
- Vinegar’s Role: Vinegar helps to tenderize the dough and inhibit gluten development, contributing to a more tender crust.
Perfect Pies to Make with This Dough
Now that you have the perfect pie dough, the possibilities are endless! Consider using it for:
- Classic Apple Pie: A timeless favorite that showcases the flaky crust beautifully.
- Pumpkin Pie: Ideal for holiday gatherings, this dough provides a sturdy and flavorful base for creamy pumpkin filling.
- Pecan Pie: The rich, buttery flavor of the crust complements the sweetness of pecan pie perfectly.
- Savory Quiches and Pot Pies: This versatile dough isn’t just for sweet pies; it works wonderfully for savory dishes too.
Mastering The Pioneer Woman Pie Dough Recipe is a game-changer for any baker. With its reliable flakiness and tender texture, you’ll be well on your way to creating memorable and delicious pies for every occasion.
