Perfect Soft Pastry Dough Recipe – Light, Flaky & Buttery

 


How to Make Soft Pastry Dough

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar (if using), and salt.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

  1. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture.
  2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces of butter.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix it into the dough.
  2. Add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together.

Step 4: Knead & Chill the Dough

  1. Lightly flour a clean surface and gently knead the dough just until it forms a ball (don’t overwork it!).
  2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

Tips for the Best Soft Pastry Dough

Keep ingredients cold – Cold butter and water ensure a flaky texture.
Don’t overwork the dough – Over-kneading can make the pastry tough.
Chill before rolling – This helps prevent the dough from shrinking when baked.
Use a light touch – When rolling, use even pressure to avoid tearing.


How to Use Soft Pastry Dough

Sweet Ideas:

  • Fruit-filled hand pies
  • Buttery pie crusts
  • Flaky turnovers
  • Cream-filled tarts

🍽 Savory Ideas:

  • Chicken pot pie
  • Cheese-stuffed pastries
  • Savory galettes
  • Quiche crust