Are you ready to elevate your baking game? Flaky pastry dough is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and with these 18 recipes, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any occasion. From classic butter pie crusts to vegan and gluten-free options, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re making a sweet tart for a special dessert or a savory quiche for brunch, flaky pastry dough is the perfect base for your creations. And the best part? With just a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can achieve that perfect layering of buttery goodness in no time.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of flaky pastry dough and share our top 18 recipes to help you get started. From rough puff pastry to laminated croissant dough, we’ve got everything you need to make your baking dreams come true.
Classic Butter Pie Crust
A flaky, buttery crust is the perfect foundation for your favorite pie fillings. This classic recipe yields a deliciously tender and flavorful crust that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: None (this is a crust-only recipe)
Flaky Puff Pastry
Transform your baking with this classic French recipe that yields a tender, flaky pastry crust. Perfect for savory or sweet fillings!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until smooth and pliable.
5. Roll out dough to desired thickness (about 1/8 inch).
6. Use immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– Place puff pastry on prepared baking sheet, trim edges, and prick with a fork to prevent puffing.
– Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before filling.
Easy Shortcrust Pastry
A simple and versatile pastry recipe perfect for making quiches, tarts, and savory pies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Do not overwork the dough.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Cooking Time:
None required! This pastry is ready to use as soon as you’ve mixed it together.
Sweet Tart Dough
This classic sweet tart dough recipe yields a tender, flaky crust perfect for filling with your favorite sweet treats. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious tarts in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar and vinegar over the mixture. Use a fork to gently mix until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a pastry dough recipe meant to be rolled out and baked with your desired filling.
Rough Puff Pastry
This rough puff pastry recipe is a simplified version of traditional puff pastry, with fewer folds and less time-consuming process. Perfect for busy bakers or those who want to achieve a rustic, flaky texture without the hassle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until it comes together in a ball.
4. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (about 1/8 inch).
5. Use as needed for savory or sweet recipes, such as turnovers, quiches, or empanadas.
Cooking Time:
– Baked: 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
– Fried: 2-3 minutes on each side in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Vegan Pie Crust
Vegan Pie Crust Recipe
A flaky and tender pie crust that’s perfect for any vegan dessert or savory dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted vegan butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold vegan butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Gradually add the ice-cold water and apple cider vinegar, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to fit your pie dish.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a pastry crust recipe.
Gluten-Free Pastry Dough
This recipe yields a flaky and tender gluten-free pastry dough perfect for savory or sweet applications. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious crust for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Cooking Time: None (this is a pastry dough, not a cooked dish)
Cream Cheese Pastry
Elevate your baked goods with this buttery, creamy pastry dough, perfect for sweet and savory treats alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be whipping up flaky, tender pastries in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and vinegar until smooth.
4. Add cream cheese mixture to flour mixture; stir until dough forms.
5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 2-3 times.
6. Roll out dough to desired thickness for your pastry needs (e.g., 1/8 inch for pie crust, 1/4 inch for strudel).
7. Use immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None needed! This pastry is perfect for baking, frying, or serving as a savory or sweet treat.
Choux Pastry for Eclairs
A staple pastry for French patisserie, choux pastry is a delicate and airy dough that requires precision and patience to achieve. This recipe yields a perfect balance of texture and flavor, ideal for filling with cream or glazing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, flour, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add beaten egg, whisking until fully incorporated.
5. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in desired shapes (e.g., long strips for éclairs).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Phyllo Dough for Baklava
Elevate your baklava game with homemade phyllo dough! This simple recipe yields a flaky and tender pastry perfect for wrapping around sweet or savory fillings.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw the phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable oil and salt.
4. Brush the edges of one piece of phyllo dough with the oil mixture.
5. Fold the dough in half lengthwise to create a neat rectangle.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you have used up all the dough (usually 9-10 sheets).
7. Cut the folded dough into desired sizes for your baklava filling.
Cooking Time:
– Bake the phyllo dough at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
– Allow the pastry to cool completely before using it in your baklava recipe.
Danish Pastry Dough
This tender and flaky dough is the foundation of traditional Danish pastries, such as wienerbrød and kanelsnurrer. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this delicious pastry at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
2. Add the yeast and mix until well combined.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing until the dough comes together in a ball.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a raw pastry dough.
Rustic Galette Dough
A classic French pastry, rustic galette dough is perfect for savory or sweet fillings. This recipe yields a tender and flaky crust that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: None needed – this is a raw dough recipe! Simply fill with your desired filling and bake as instructed.
Quick Rough Puff Pastry
Get ready to whip up a delicious pastry with minimal effort! This rough puff pastry recipe is perfect for those who want a shortcut to flaky, buttery goodness without the hassle of making traditional puff pastry.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it comes together in a cohesive ball.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough to desired thickness and shape as needed.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Whole Wheat Pie Crust
Whole Wheat Pie Crust Recipe
Summary: This recipe yields a nutty and slightly sweet pie crust using whole wheat flour, perfect for savory or sweet fillings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice-cold water and white vinegar, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and pliable.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: None
Note: This crust is best used fresh, but can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed when needed.
Laminated Croissant Dough
This classic French recipe yields a flaky, buttery croissant dough that’s perfect for making authentic croissants or other sweet and savory pastries. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade croissants in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add granulated sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Place softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then fold again, creating layers (laminating).
6. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
7. Roll out the dough to desired thickness and shape into croissants.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Pâte Brisée for Quiches
A buttery and flaky pastry crust, essential for a perfect quiche. This recipe yields a tender and versatile dough that’s easy to make and can be used for various savory or sweet fillings.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until smooth.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
Cooking Time:
– Blind baking (pre-baking without filling): 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
– With filling, follow the quiche recipe’s specific cooking time
Sweetened Shortcrust for Tarts
Sweetened Shortcrust for Tarts Recipe
Perfecting Your Pastry Game
Elevate your tart-making skills with this sweetened shortcrust recipe, ideal for both sweet and savory fillings. This classic pastry dough is flaky, buttery, and simply divine.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually pour in the beaten egg, mixing until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Refrigeration time: 30 minutes – 2 hours
– Baking time (dependent on tart filling): varies
Herbed Pastry Dough for Savory Pies
This classic French dough is infused with fresh herbs, adding a depth of flavor to your savory pies. Use it as the base for quiches, tartes, or pot pies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 2-3 times.
4. Add chopped parsley and chives; mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Cooking Time:
– No cooking time required, as this is a raw pastry dough.
Summary
Discover the art of flaky pastry dough with our collection of 18 recipes perfect for every occasion. From classic butter pie crust to vegan and gluten-free options, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to make sweet tart dough, rough puff pastry, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these easy-to-follow recipes will help you master the art of flaky pastry. With options for both sweet and savory dishes, you’ll never be stuck without an idea for your next baking project.