Description
A simple recipe for perfect flaky puff pastry using only four ingredients. It creates irresistibly crispy layers for both sweet and savory dishes, perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
200 g Unsalted butter, cold
0.5 cup Cold water
1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- Cut cold butter into small cubes. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl
- Rub butter into flour with fingertips until pea-sized pieces form. Do not overmix
- Add cold water gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon until dough is crumbly
- Gather dough into a ball with hands (do not knead). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle. Fold into thirds like a letter. Rotate 90 degrees and roll again. Repeat folding 4 times to create layers
- Wrap dough and refrigerate another 30 minutes
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll dough to 0.5 cm thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place on greased baking sheet. Brush with egg yolk or milk
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Do not open oven for first 10 minutes
Notes
Keep all ingredients and hands cold; if butter softens, pause and refrigerate.
Do not skip resting times; they relax gluten and keep fat firm.
Use medium-protein flour; strong flour makes dough tough.
Bake at high temperature (200°C) for thermal shock to separate layers.
For gluten-free version, use rice flour plus 1 tsp xanthan gum; texture differs but remains crispy.
Store unbaked dough wrapped in fridge up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Bake frozen directly adding 5 minutes.
Reheat baked pastry in oven at medium heat for 5 minutes; avoid microwave.
Nutrition values are approximate; based on 1/6 of recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French