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Puff pastry dough is a light and flaky pastry. It has many layers that puff up when baked. You can use it for both sweet and savory dishes. Making puff pastry at home is fun and rewarding.

Puff Pastry Dough

Unlock the secret to delicious meals with this easy guide to puff pastry dough! Learn how to create flaky layers and explore endless sweet and savory recipes, from appetizers to desserts. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this guide offers tips to avoid common mistakes and variations for dietary needs. Ready to elevate your dishes? Click through to discover all the mouthwatering recipes and tips!
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Ingredients
  

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

¾ cup cold water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.

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

      In a separate bowl, mix the cold water and lemon juice together. Gradually pour this mix into the flour and butter mixture, stirring with a fork until it starts to come together.

        Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just until it forms a cohesive dough—be careful not to overwork it.

          Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

            After chilling, flour your work surface, and roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

              Fold the dough into thirds like a letter (this is called a turn).

                Rotate the dough 90 degrees and roll it out again into a rectangle. Repeat the folding process.

                  Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.

                    Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times. This creates the flaky layers in your puff pastry.

                      After the final fold, wrap the pastry tightly and chill for at least 1 hour before using.

                        Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: Makes about 2 pounds of pastry dough

                          - Presentation Tips: Use the puff pastry to create various sweet or savory pastries, and when baked, these can be beautifully arranged on a platter with fresh herbs or fruit for an appealing display.