Foolproof Pie Shells

Total Time:Prep: 20 min. + chilling

Recipe by Bob Campbell, Lincoln, Nebraska

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Updated on Feb. 03, 2023

"I received this recipe from my 94-year old sister. She suggested using egg, cold water and cider vinegar to keep the crust moist. If they eat all the crust of my pie, then I know it was good!"

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Foolproof Pie Shells

Yield:4 pie shells
Prep:20 min

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1-3/4 cups shortening
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
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Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Whisk the egg, water and vinegar; gradually add to flour mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into four portions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plates. Trim each pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. Fill or bake shells according to recipe directions.