Puff Pastry Dough Recipes

EASY ROUGH PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Grate or use a peeler to shave the butter then divide into three portions, make one 60 grams and the other two 100 grams each, then place back into the fridge to chill and leave there until needed.Note: Weigh the butter after grating. Chill the water, you could use water straight from the fridge or chill tap water with a few ice blocks before measuring it. Once you have measured the water, mix in the white vinegar.
• In a bowl, add the flour, salt and 60 grams of butter, use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour, until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
• Add the vinegar and enough water to the dough so that it just comes together - it shouldn't be too dry or wet. Place the dough on a light floured bench and knead for about a minute. The dough should be firm and not sticky. Cover with plastic and let it rest in the fridge for 5 minutes.Note: The amount of water that is needed can vary, depending on the flour and temperature of the day. So, you could end up using a little less or a little more water.
• Use your hands to shape the dough into a rectangle, placing it onto a lightly floured surface in a lengthwise direction facing you.Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 15- 18 cm wide and 38 - 40 cm long. As you roll the dough stop and measure, and use your hands to push the edges straight and gently pull on the corners to make them less rounded.
• Use your fingers and spread 100 grams of chilled butter on the top two thirds of the pastry. The butter does not have to completely cover the dough it can be patchy, lightly press the butter onto the dough. Fold the lower one third portion (without butter) up toward the middle, then fold the top third portion over the folded pastry.Tip: When rolling the dough, lift it occasionally from the bench and dust underneath with a little flour, this will stop it from sticking to the surface.
• Place the dough in the fridge for 5 - 10 minutes.
• Remove the chilled dough from the fridge, roll the dough in a lengthwise direction into a rectangle, about the same size as before, Spread the remaining 100 grams of chilled butter over the top two thirds of the pastry, then fold the lower third of the pastry to the middle, and fold the top third portion over the top.
• Place the dough in the fridge for 5 - 10 minutes.
• Remove the chilled dough from the fridge, roll the dough in a lengthwise direction into a rectangle, about the same size as before. Fold the lower third of the pastry to the middle, then fold the top third portion over the top.
• Place the dough in the fridge for 5 - 10 minutes.
• Repeat step 8 two more times, with 5 - 10 minutes chilling time in between.
• When you have finished, wrap the dough in plastic and place in the fridge for 4 hour or overnight before using.
• After chilling cut the dough into two even sized pieces and tightly wrap in plastic. It can be stored in the fridge for about 5 days, or it can be frozen for three months.
• Take one half of the chilled rough puff pastry dough and roll out lengthwise, so that it increases slightly in length. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and use the rolling pin to roll dough out for form a square. Continue to roll and rotate the dough, while keeping a square shape. Roll until about 33 - 35 cm square, which will make the dough about 3 - 5 mm thick and ready to be used.
• Repeat the above for the remaining half of the dough or freeze it for another day.

ROUGH-PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Sift 250g strong plain flour and 1 tsp fine sea salt into a large bowl. Roughly break 250g butter into small chunks, add them to the bowl and rub them in loosely. You need to see bits of butter.
• Make a well in the bowl and pour in about two-thirds of 150ml cold water, mixing until you have a firm rough dough adding extra water if needed.
• Cover with cling film and leave to rest for 20 mins in the fridge.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured board, knead gently and form into a smooth rectangle.
• Roll the dough in one direction only, until 3 times the width, about 20 x 50cm. Keep edges straight and even. Don't overwork the butter streaks; you should have a marbled effect.
• Fold the top third down to the centre, then the bottom third up and over that. Give the dough a quarter turn (to the left or right) and roll out again to three times the length.
• Fold as before, cover with cling film and chill for at least 20 mins before rolling to use.

QUICK PUFF PASTRY DOUGH

Steps:

• Prepare all ingredients for the puff pastry dough.
• Using a fine mesh sieve or flour sifter, sift the flour and salt into a large bowl and place it in a refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Next, grate the frozen butter into the flour, occasionally mixing it to prevent the butter from sticking.
• Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in the ice cold water. Mix it until you have a firm, rough dough.
• Wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap and leave in a refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface, kneading it gently to form into a smooth rectangle. Keep the edges straight and even and don't overwork the butter streaks - the dough should have a marbled effect.
• Fold the top third down to the center, then the bottom third up and on top of it. Do the same with the sides. Roll the dough out again to three times the length and into a rectangular shape. Place the parchment paper on top of the dough, folding it over the top and bottom of the dough. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in a refrigerator for about an hour. Use the dough to your heart's desire!

EASY HOMEMADE PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Place the flour and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
• Cut the cold butter into 1/4-inch slices and add to the flour mixture, tossing to coat.
• Stir in the cold water until a thick dough forms.
• Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk-shape, and wrap in plastic wrap.
• Chill for 1 hour in the fridge, or 20 to 30 minutes in the freezer.
• Unwrap the dough, dust the work surface with flour, and roll the dough into a rough rectangle shape.
• Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter.
• Turn 90 degrees, roll and fold again.
• Repeat about 2 to 4 times, wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and chill for 2 hours or overnight.*

ROUGH PUFF PASTRY DOUGH

Steps:

• Sift together flour and salt into a chilled large metal bowl. Set a grater in flour mixture and coarsely grate frozen butter into flour, gently lifting flour and tossing to coat butter.
• Drizzle 5 tablespoons ice water evenly over flour mixture and gently stir with a fork until incorporated.
• Test mixture by gently squeezing a small handful: When it has the proper texture, it will hold together without crumbling apart. If necessary, add another tablespoon water, stirring until just incorporated and testing again. (If you overwork mixture or add too much water, pastry will be tough.)
• Gather mixture together and form into a 5-inch square, then chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, about 30 minutes. (Dough will be lumpy and streaky.)
• Roll out dough on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin into a 15- by- 8-inch rectangle. Arrange dough with a short side nearest you, then fold dough into thirds like a letter: bottom third up and top third down over dough. Rewrap dough and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Arrange dough with a short side nearest you on a floured surface and repeat rolling out, folding, and chilling 2 more times. Brush off any excess flour, then wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.

BEEF WELLINGTON

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 425°F. Place the beef into a lightly greased roasting pan. Season with the black pepper, if desired. Roast for 30 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the beef reads 130°F. Cover the pan and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Reheat the oven to 425°F. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork.
• Heat the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook until the mushrooms are tender and all the liquid is evaporated, stirring often.
• Sprinkle the work surface with the flour. Unfold the pastry sheet on the work surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a rectangle 4 inches longer and 6 inches wider than the beef. Brush the pastry sheet with the egg mixture. Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the pastry sheet to within 1-inch of the edge. Place the beef in the center of the mushroom mixture. Fold the pastry over the beef and press to seal. Place seam-side down onto a baking sheet. Tuck the ends under to seal. Brush the pastry with the egg mixture.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the beef reads 140°F.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with green beans amandine. For dessert serve cheesecake topped with sliced strawberries.

QUICK & EASY HOMEMADE PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Using a food processor, fitted with the metal blade, add flour and salt to the bowl, then add 3/4 cup (170 grams) cold butter cut in cubes and pulse until butter is absorbed (about 10 to 12 one second pulses), then add the remaining cold butter (cubed) and pulse two or three times (no more) to combine, add the cold water and pulse four or five times just until the dough comes together to form a ball (really important not to over process).
• On a lightly floured surface place dough and knead lightly approximately 10 times. With a lightly floured rolling- pin (lightly flour the dough so it doesn't stick) roll into a rectangle approximately 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 centimeters).
• Fold the dough like an envelope (see photos) then fold in half, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours (I left mine in the fridge for two hours).
• Remove from the fridge and on a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling-pin roll the still folded dough (I cut the dough in two parts, refrigerate the unused dough until needed) into a rectangle (approximately 10 x 14 inches / 25 x 35 cm). I covered the dough with thin slices of cooked ham and sprinkled with shredded cheese.
• Roll up length wise as tight as possible and brush the edges with egg wash to seal. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 20-30 minutes. Unwrap and slice with a sharp knife into 1/4 inch slices. Place on prepared cookie sheet, brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with more cheese, bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden. Serve immediately.
• Roll the remaining dough into a large circle, make 8-10 triangles. Place 1-2 slices of pear on the large part of the triangle, top with some chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. Roll up from the large part, place on prepared cookie sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with a little sugar and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden. Let cool then dust with powdered / icing sugar. Enjoy.
• In a small bowl mix together Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, set aside. Roll (1/2 or 1/3) the dough into an 1/8" thick oval, sprinkle shredded cheese on the top half of oval, bring up the bottom half to cover the top, brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with parmesan cheese mixture, slice into 1/2 inch strips, twist and place on parchment paper lined cookie sheets. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden. Eat warm. Enjoy!
• In a small bowl toss together, sliced apples, brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Roll out the dough into a large rectangle or square 1/8 " thick, then cut into 6-8 squares. Top each square with 2-3 apple slices, brush the edges of the square with egg mixture. Fold over and seal. Brush tops of pastry with the egg wash, sprinkle with sugar and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden. Drizzle with a little frosting if desired.
• In a small bowl beat together the egg and water.

CLASSIC PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Mix together the cold water, vinegar and salt. Stir to dissolve the salt. Place the all purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Pour the water over the flour and use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to mix until most of the water is absorbed.
• Still working in the bowl, gently squeeze the dough until it comes together. Knead just a few times to form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
• Draw an 8" square in the center of a 12"x16" piece of parchment paper. Flip the paper over and line the 4 sticks of butter, side by side, in the middle of the square. Fold the parchment over the butter to form a packet. Use a rolling pin or other heavy object (I use the flat side of a meat tenderizer) to flatten the butter to fill the 8"x 8" square. You can lift the paper if it sticks. Trim and rearrange the edges of the butter as needed to make a neat square. Fold the butter into the parchment and place in the refrigerator.
• Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough to a 10" square. Once you have a square, roll from each of the four sides to form a 3" flap of the dough, leaving the center thicker than the flaps. You should end up with a square with four "flaps" coming out from each side.
• Unwrap the butter and place it in the middle of the square. Fold the flaps so they overlap and enclose the butter, tucking in the corners as necessary. You should now have an 8" square of dough with the butter enclosed.
• Use the rolling pin to gently press on the square to flatten it. Roll the dough to a 8" x 24" rectangle. Take your time to roll gently and evenly so the butter stays in one layer in the dough.
• The long side of the rectangle should be facing you. Brush off the excess flour. Brush the entire surface of the dough with cold water. Fold the right 1/3 of the dough towards the middle then fold the left 1/3 of dough over enclosing it like a letter. This is the first "turn".
• Spin the dough so the closed edge is on the top side and the flap edge is facing you. Roll the dough again to a 24" long rectangle. Brush off the excess flour. Brush the entire surface of the dough with cold water and again fold the dough like a letter. This is the second "turn". Use your fingers to make 2 indentations in the dough. This helps keep track of how many turns you have completed.
• Wrap the dough with the parchment used to enclose the butter. Set it on a sheet pan, cover with plastic and refrigerate at least 60 minutes.
• Remove the dough from the refrigerator and do another 2 turns exactly like the first 2. Make 4 indentations in the dough, wrap and refrigerate at least 60 minutes.
• Remove the dough from the refrigerator and make the final 2 turns exactly as you did the others. You've now done all 6 turns.
• Split the dough into 2 equal portions. Wrap the dough and refrigerate at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight, before using. The dough is now ready to be used in any recipe. Unused dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost before using.

OUR 30+ BEST PUFF PASTRY DESSERTS (+PUFF PASTRY PALMIERS)

Steps:

• Roll out dough onto a floured surface.
• Sprinkle the sugar generously over the dough and roll a rolling pin over it.
• Fold into the center, repeating until dough centers meet.
• Cut into cookies.
• Bake for six minutes at 450°F on both sides.

QUICKEST PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Cut 8 ounces (2 sticks) butter into 1/2 to 1/4-inch dice, place on a plate and refrigerate while preparing remaining ingredients.Measure water and add salt; stir to dissolve and set aside.
• Coarsely dice remaining 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter. Place flour in work bowl of food processor fitted with metal blade; add 4 tablespoons butter and pulse until butter is absorbed -- about ten to twelve 1-second pulses.
• Add remaining butter and pulse once or twice to distribute. Add water and pulse 3 or 4 times, just until dough forms a rough ball. Do not over-process.
• Flour work surface and scrape dough from work bowl. Shape dough into a rough rectangle and place between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Press dough with rolling pin to flatten, then roll back and forth several times with rolling pin to make a 12 by 18 inch rectangle of dough.
• Peel away plastic wrap and invert dough to floured work surface. Peel away second piece of wrap. Fold dough in thirds in the width, folding the top third down and the bottom third up, to make a 6 by 18-inch rectangle, then roll up the dough from one of the 6-inch ends, making sure to roll end under dough. Press the dough into a square, wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour, or until firm.

PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer that is fitted with a dough hook. Gradually stir in water until the dough holds together enough to clean the sides of the bowl. You may not need the full amount of water. Shape into a flat ball, and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes.
• Place the butter between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound into a flat disc using a rolling pin or other heavy object. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Place the disc of chilled butter in the center and fold the two ends over it so that it is completely encased in dough. Roll out the dough again, taking care not to let the butter break through the dough, to about 1/2 inch thickness. Fold into thirds. This is the first ''turn''. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and roll out into a rectangle again. Fold into thirds. By this time the butter is starting to warm up. Place the dough on a baking sheet and mark it with two pokes from your finger (two turns). Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Repeat this rolling, folding and turning two more times, then refrigerate until firm. Repeat two more times for a total of 6 ''turns''. Wrap and refrigerate. The dough is now ready to roll out and use in any recipe calling for puff pastry. Roll the dough out as thin as 1/4 inch to make pastries. Bake in a preheated oven of at least 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to get the maximum puff from your pastry.