Simple Puff Pastry Recipe – Perfect for Sweet or Savory Dishes!

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt (if using unsalted butter).

Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.

Add Water: Gradually add the cold water while mixing gently. Stir until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep it light and flaky.

Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up.

Roll and Fold: Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Fold it into thirds like a letter, then rotate 90 degrees and repeat.

Chill the dough for 20 minutes between folds to keep it cold and manageable. Repeat this rolling and folding process 5–6 times.

Final Rolling: Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape it according to your chosen recipe.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll out the puff pastry and layer with slices of ham and shredded Gruyere cheese.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice into pinwheels, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle and cut into triangles.

Place a pear slice, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, and mini chocolate chips at the wide end of each triangle.

Roll the triangles into crescents and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.