Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sweet crust)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 4-6 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
  2. Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
  4. Gather the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick.
  7. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
  8. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
  9. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent bubbling if pre-baking.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.