Freezer Pie Dough
Planning ahead for delicious homemade pies has never been easier with this convenient freezer pie dough recipe. By preparing a batch in advance and storing it in your freezer, you’ll have the perfect base for all your favorite pies whenever the baking mood strikes. This freezer pie dough is versatile, easy to work with, and yields a tender, flaky crust that will elevate any sweet or savory filling. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning to explore the world of pie-making, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
**Freezer Pie Dough**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– ¼ cup ice water
– 1 tbsp white vinegar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
– Add the cold butter pieces to the bowl and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:**
– In a separate small bowl, mix together the ice water and white vinegar.
– Slowly pour the water mixture into the flour-butter mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Add more water if needed, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. **Form the Dough:**
– Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
– Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk.
4. **Wrap and Chill:**
– Individually wrap each disk in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps relax the gluten and solidify the butter for a tender crust.
5. **Freeze for Later Use:**
– Once the dough has chilled, you can transfer it to the freezer for long-term storage. For up to three months, seal the wrapped dough disks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy reference.
6. **Thaw and Use:**
– When you’re ready to use the dough, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before to thaw slowly.
– Roll out the dough on a floured surface according to your pie recipe and proceed with your favorite filling.
By preparing this freezer pie dough in advance, you’ll save time and effort when it comes to baking homemade pies. Whether it’s a classic apple pie, a savory quiche, or a decadent chocolate cream pie, this versatile dough will be your go-to choice for creating delicious treats. Enjoy the convenience and the flaky, buttery goodness of this freezer pie dough, and elevate your pie-making game with ease. Happy baking!