Soft pastry is a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat that can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. Its tender texture comes from a well-balanced combination of butter, flour, and liquid, creating a dough that is easy to work with and bakes into a beautifully flaky pastry. Whether used for fruit-filled turnovers, creamy custard tarts, or savory hand pies, this pastry is a versatile staple in any kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for sweet pastry)
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup cold milk or water
- 1 large egg yolk (optional, for richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for sweet pastry)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar (if making a sweet pastry).
- Incorporate the Butter:
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Liquid:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cold milk or water, egg yolk (if using), and vanilla extract (if making a sweet pastry).
- Gradually pour the liquid into the flour mixture, stirring gently until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead and Chill:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a smooth ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutters to shape the pastry as needed.
- Bake or Use as Desired:
- If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown.
- If using for pies or tarts, follow the specific recipe instructions for baking times and fillings.
Tips for the Best Soft Pastry:
- Keep ingredients cold to ensure a flaky texture.
- Avoid over-kneading to prevent toughness.
- Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle.
- Experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest or spices like cinnamon.
This soft pastry recipe is perfect for creating delicious baked goods with a tender, buttery texture. You can find more details here. Happy baking! 🥐✨