How to Make Soft Pastry Dough
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar (if using), and salt.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture.
- 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
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix it into the dough.
- 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
- Lightly flour a clean surface and gently knead the dough just until it forms a ball (don’t overwork it!).
- 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