Nutmeg Free Classic Pie Dough

Total time1 hr 20 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time0 min

4.6

(15)

There is something deeply satisfying about making pie dough from scratch, and this five-ingredient version proves you don't need a long list of spices or seasonings to get it right. The secret is all in the technique — keeping the butter ice-cold and working it in until you have that signature mix of crumbs and pea-sized chunks, which is exactly what gives the finished crust its irresistible flaky layers. Ice water added gradually keeps everything together without overworking the gluten, so the dough stays tender rather than tough. Many store-bought and pre-seasoned pie crusts sneak in unexpected spices, making this from-scratch approach a genuinely clean and reliable alternative for anyone avoiding certain aromatics. Chilling the dough for at least an hour before rolling is a non-negotiable step that makes it easier to handle and ensures the butter stays cold right up until it hits the oven. Whether you're filling it with fruit, custard, or a savory mixture, this buttery, golden crust is the kind of foundation that makes every slice worth eating.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →

Ingredients

8 servings

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp fine salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes and chilled
6–8 tbsp ice water

Instructions

1
Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
2
Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture and work them in with a pastry cutter or your fingertips, pressing each cube flat and breaking it into smaller pieces, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized and almond-sized butter pieces still visible throughout — this uneven texture is what creates flaky layers.

Want the full recipe?

Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!