A pastry cutter is a kitchen tool designed to mix flour and fat, such as butter, into a crumbly texture for making pastries, biscuits, and pie crusts. It typically features a handle with several sharp, curved blades or wires that cut through the ingredients, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough. This tool is essential for achieving a flaky texture in baked goods. Using a pastry cutter is straightforward. Simply place the flour and fat in a bowl, then press the cutter into the mixture, lifting and turning it until the desired consistency is reached. This method helps maintain the cold temperature of the fat, which is crucial for creating light and flaky pastries.