What is a pastry cutter?

A pastry cutter, also known as a dough blender or pastry blender, is a kitchen tool used to cut butter or shortening into flour when making pastry or pie dough. It typically consists of a handle with several curved metal blades, which are used to evenly incorporate fat into the dry ingredients without melting it.

Pastry cutters are used to create a crumbly texture in dough, which helps to create a flaky and tender pastry crust. They are essential for making recipes like pie crusts, biscuits, scones, and shortbread cookies.

When using a pastry cutter, it is important to work quickly and avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can result in a tough pastry crust. It is also recommended to chill the dough before rolling it out to ensure the fat remains cold and creates a flaky texture when baked.

Overall, a pastry cutter is a handy tool for any baker looking to achieve perfect pastry and dough consistency in their baked goods.