This all-butter pastry dough is incredibly flaky and rich, making it the perfect base for a variety of desserts like tarts, pies, or pastries. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously flavorful pastry without any complexity.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
Instructions
Begin by combining the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until evenly mixed. This step helps to incorporate the salt and sugar throughout the flour, ensuring a balanced flavor.
Next, add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This is crucial for achieving that flaky texture in your pastry.
Once the butter is incorporated, gradually add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Be cautious not to overwork the dough; you want it to hold together without becoming tough. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
When the dough comes together, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
After chilling, your pastry dough is ready to be rolled out and used in your favorite dessert recipes! Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, and proceed with your chosen filling or topping.
Enjoy the versatility of this all-butter pastry dough in sweet or savory dishes, and savor the rich, flaky texture that elevates any dessert!