Description
Puff pastry is a light, flaky dough that rises impressively when baked, thanks to the many layers of butter and dough. This classic French pastry is the foundation for countless recipes, ranging from savory tarts and turnovers to sweet treats like mille-feuille and palmiers. While store-bought puff pastry is convenient, making it from scratch delivers a superior texture and flavor. The process requires patience and precision but yields a perfectly buttery, crisp pastry with an irresistible, airy bite.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) cold unsalted butter, divided
- ¾ cup (180ml) cold water
Instructions
Step1: Prepare the Dough Base
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut ¼ of the butter into small cubes and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Slowly add the cold water and mix until a rough dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Step2: Prepare the Butter Block
Shape the remaining ¾ cup (170g) butter into a rectangle about 5×8 inches by flattening it between two sheets of parchment paper. Chill the butter block until firm but pliable, about 20-30 minutes.
Step3: Roll and Fold (First Turn)
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 10×16 inches. Place the butter block in the center and fold the dough over it like a letter. Roll it out gently into another rectangle. Fold it into thirds again, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step4: Repeat the Rolling and Folding
Repeat the rolling and folding process five more times, ensuring the dough stays cold between each turn. After the final fold, chill the dough for at least 1 hour before using.
Step5: Bake Your Pastry
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough to your desired thickness, cut into shapes, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Equipment
200 Pcs Unbleached Parchment Paper Baking Sheets
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Belwares Mixing Bowls with Lids Set
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COOK WITH COLOR Mixing Bowls with Lids
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KEGOUU Oven Mitts and Pot Holders
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NutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans
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- Keep the dough and butter as cold as possible to maintain the distinct layers. If the dough becomes warm, refrigerate it before proceeding.
- Use a light hand when rolling to avoid pressing the layers together too much, which can prevent the pastry from puffing.
- Rotate the dough 90 degrees after each roll-and-fold session to ensure even puffing.
- Bake puff pastry on parchment paper to prevent sticking, and place a baking sheet on top if you want evenly flat pastries.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Stress-Busting