Making puff pastry from scratch usually involves a lot of time and patience, especially with the repeated chilling required to achieve those perfect, flaky layers. But with this quick method, you can create delicious, flaky puff pastry without the need for any refrigeration! Perfect for those spontaneous baking moments when you want something special without the wait.
✨ Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
- Water: 100 grams/ml
- Salt: 3/4 teaspoon
- Butter: 50 grams, softened
- Bread Flour (high in gluten): 250 grams
- Pastry Shortening (vegan) or Extra Dry Butter (non-vegan): 125 grams (available online)
For the Finishing:
- Egg Yolk or Egg Yolk Substitute: for spreading
- Sugar: for sprinkling
- Your Favorite Jam: for filling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure the salt is evenly spread throughout.
- Incorporate the Butter:
- Add the softened butter to the flour mixture.
- With your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the blend looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add the Water:
- Gradually add the water to the mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.
- If needed, adjust the water quantity slightly to achieve the right consistency.
Step 2: Incorporate the Shortening/Extra Dry Butter
- Layer the Shortening/Butter:
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the pastry shortening or extra dry butter evenly over two-thirds of the dough rectangle.
- Fold the Dough:
- Fold the unbuttered third of the dough over the middle third, then fold the remaining third on top, creating a layered effect. This is the first fold.
- Roll and Fold:
- Rotate the dough 90 degrees, roll it out into a rectangle again, and repeat the folding process (without adding more shortening/butter this time).
- Perform this rolling and folding process two more times, for a total of four folds.
- This creates the layers that will puff up when baked.
Step 3: Shape and Fill
- Roll Out the Dough:
- After the final fold, roll out the dough to your desired thickness, depending on what you plan to make.
- For pastries, about 1/4 inch thick is typical.
- Cut and Fill:
- Cut the dough into your desired shapes (squares, rectangles, or circles). Place a small amount of your favorite jam in the center of each piece of dough.
- Seal the Pastries:
- Fold the dough over the filling to enclose it, and press the edges firmly to seal.
Step 4: Finishing Touches and Baking
- Brush with Egg Yolk:
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg yolk or egg yolk substitute to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle with Sugar:
- Lightly sprinkle the tops with sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.
- Savor them fresh and warm alongside a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a delightful indulgence.
Conclusion
This quick puff pastry method is a game-changer, allowing you to enjoy the flakiest pastries without the usual refrigeration steps. Whether you’re making sweet jam-filled treats or savory delights, this recipe provides a fast and easy way to indulge in the deliciousness of homemade puff pastry. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t know about this method sooner!