Delicious Homemade Shortbread Pie Crust

Create a mouthwatering and easy-to-make shortbread pie crust with just a few simple ingredients. This buttery and crumbly crust is perfect for sweet pies, tarts, or even cheesecakes. With a delicate texture and a hint of sweetness, it will elevate any dessert to a new level. Enjoy this versatile recipe and make your homemade pies even more delectable.

Ingredients

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix.
2. Add the cubed cold butter to the food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Slowly add it to the food processor while pulsing.
4. Continue pulsing until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Do not overmix.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and allow it to soften slightly for a few minutes.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle that is slightly larger than your pie dish.
9. Gently transfer the rolled dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
10. Using a fork, prick the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
11. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to keep the crust flat while baking.
12. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
13. Carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
14. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before filling it with your desired filling.

Interesting Facts