Common Pie Dough Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

The thousands of pies we've baked over the years in the test kitchen have taught us a thing or three about what can go wrong when rolling the dough.

The thousands of pies we've baked over the years in the test kitchen have taught us a thing or three about what can go wrong when rolling the dough.

Here are the three most common problems—and instructions for avoiding them.

UNEVEN, ASYMMETRICAL PIE "ROUND"

CAUSE:

Poor rolling technique, or dough too cold to roll

SOLUTION:

Roll, rotate, repeat and let the dough warm up if necessary

TORN DOUGH

CAUSE:

Manhandling en route

SOLUTION:

Use rolling pin to transfer dough to pie plate

SHRUNKEN BAKED SHELL

CAUSE:

Stretched or insufficiently chilled dough

SOLUTION:

Support dough when fitting, and chill before baking

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