Final answer:
A pastry blender is the tool used to cut butter into flour. It has curved metal blades and is used to create a crumbly texture when making pastry or biscuit dough.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tool that is commonly used to cut butter into flour is called a pastry blender. A pastry blender is a hand-held kitchen utensil with several curved metal blades that are used to cut solid fats, such as butter, into flour in order to create a crumbly texture. It is typically used when making pastry dough or biscuit dough.
When using a pastry blender, you hold it in one hand and press down on the butter, which is usually cold and cut into smaller pieces, while rotating your wrist. The blades of the pastry blender cut through the butter, blending it with the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is an important step in baking because it helps distribute the fat evenly throughout the flour, which creates a tender and flaky texture in the final baked goods.
Other tools that can be used to cut butter into flour include two knives, a fork, or your fingers. However, a pastry blender is specifically designed for this task and makes the process much easier and more efficient.