Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

1. Add cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
2. Using a pastry cutter (or your fingers), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.

Step 3: Add Ice Water

1. Drizzle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
2. Stop when the dough holds together when pinched but isn’t sticky.

Step 4: Form & Chill

1. Gather the dough into a ball, divide it in half, and flatten each half into a disc.
2. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

1. On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle for a 9-inch pie pan.
2. Transfer to the pan, trim excess dough, and crimp the edges.

Step 6: Bake (If Needed)

• For a pre-baked crust (blind baking):
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake 5-7 more minutes until golden.