3-Ingredient Puff Pastry Dough and Homemade Pie Crust

by

3-Ingredient Puff Pastry Dough and Homemade Pie Crust

There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of freshly baked pastries filling your kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy autumn afternoon, a holiday gathering, or just a Sunday morning indulgence, homemade pastry transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. This article is for anyone who’s ever wanted to ditch store-bought crusts and unlock the flaky, buttery joy of homemade pastry. No intimidating techniques, no fancy equipment—just real ingredients, simple steps, and mouthwatering results.

This recipe was born from a family tradition of baking together during the holidays. My grandmother used to swear by keeping things simple, and now I understand why—some of the best recipes really do start with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these foolproof pastry recipes will become your new go-to.

Why Make Your Own Pastry Dough?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you should consider making your own dough instead of buying frozen sheets or pre-made crusts:

  • Unmatched Freshness: Store-bought dough often contains preservatives. Homemade pastry is fresh, flavorful, and all-natural.
  • Control Over Ingredients: Avoid additives and control the quality—especially important for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Superior Texture: Homemade dough can be rolled to the perfect thickness and folded for maximum flakiness.
  • Cost-Effective: Just a few pantry staples can produce a batch that rivals any bakery.

If that’s not enough to inspire you, the aroma of butter and flour transforming in the oven surely will!

Recipe #1: 3-Ingredient Puff Pastry Dough

This recipe is as minimal as it gets—just flour, butter, and ice water. Yet, it produces a beautifully laminated dough that puffs up into delicate layers of golden, buttery heaven.

🧈 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ cups salted butter, cold and cubed
  • ⅔ cup ice cold water

🔪 Instructions:

  1. Prep the Butter: Cut the cold salted butter into small cubes. Place them back in the fridge to keep them chilled until you’re ready to mix.
  2. Make the Base Dough:
    • In a large bowl, combine the flour and ice water.
    • Take the chilled butter out of the fridge and toss it into the bowl with the flour mixture.
    • Use a pastry cutter or your hands to lightly mix. Don’t overwork—chunks of butter are a good thing!
  3. Form and Roll:
    • Transfer the dough to a floured surface. If it feels sticky, add a touch more flour.
    • Gently roll the dough into a rectangle.
  4. Folding Process:
    • Fold the rectangle into three parts, like a letter.
    • Turn the dough 90 degrees and roll it out again into a rectangle.
    • Fold into three parts again.
    • Repeat the roll-and-fold one more time.
  5. Final Roll:
    • Roll the dough flat for the final time.
    • Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before using.

💡 Tips for Success:

  • Always use cold butter and ice water. This is key to creating those flaky layers.
  • Chill the dough before baking for even better puff.
  • Great for tarts, turnovers, savory pastries, or dessert puff squares.

Recipe #2: My Version of Homemade Pie Crust (Only 4 Ingredients!)

This 4-ingredient pie crust is one of those “keep-it-simple” recipes that works every time. It’s ideal for fruit pies, quiches, pot pies, and any dish that calls for a crisp, golden base.

🥧 Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup salted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6 tablespoons cold water
  • ½ teaspoon sugar

📝 Directions:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
  2. Incorporate Butter:
    • Add the cubed salted butter into the flour mixture.
    • Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
  3. Add Water:
    • Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
  4. Shape and Chill:
    • Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

🍽️ Perfect For:

  • Classic apple pie
  • Creamy chicken pot pie
  • Pecan or pumpkin pie
  • Quiches or savory tarts

Puff Pastry vs. Pie Crust: What’s the Difference?

CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕

Pages: 1 2

Leave a Comment