Question about using cold butter for pie crust

I tried making a pie crust with frozen butter cubes instead of my usual chilled sticks. The dough came out super flaky, way better than before. My friend in Chicago said it's because the butter melts slower in the oven. I learned that smaller, colder bits make more steam pockets. Anyone else have a trick for keeping butter cold while you work?

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3 Comments

wesleyl537mo ago

My grandma used to freeze her lard too for biscuit dough. She said the key was working fast with cold hands. Have you tried chilling your rolling pin?

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wells.karen7mo ago

My mom even puts her flour in the freezer, like @wesleyl53 said about cold hands.

5

the_oscar7mo ago

Ever try sticking your mixing bowl in the freezer for a few minutes before you start? I found that keeps everything cold enough even with my warm hands. I also use a cheese grater on frozen butter straight into the flour.

4