Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional for sweet dishes)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6–8 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar until well combined.
  2. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
  3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  4. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition.
  5. Continue adding water until the dough begins to come together but is not sticky.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  7. Gather it into a ball; then flatten it into a disc about an inch thick.
  8. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.