Dive into the timeless tradition of crafting hand-rolled crispy pastries! This recipe combines simplicity and finesse to create a golden, flaky treat perfect for any occasion. With a buttery dough and your choice of sweet or savory fillings, these pastries will elevate your baking repertoire while delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup (120ml) ice-cold water
For the Sweet Filling (Optional):
- ½ cup (100g) sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup (150g) fruit preserves or chocolate spread
For the Savory Filling (Optional):
- 1 cup (150g) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
- ½ cup (120g) sautéed spinach or caramelized onions
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
For Brushing and Garnishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp sugar (for sweet pastries) or sesame seeds (for savory pastries)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring until the dough just comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Your Filling (While Dough Chills):
- For sweet filling, mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- For savory filling, combine grated cheese with spinach or caramelized onions and dried herbs.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet, about ⅛ inch thick.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on your preferred pastry shape.
- Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each piece. Fold the dough over to create triangles or half-moon shapes and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Brush and Garnish:
- Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle sugar on sweet pastries or sesame seeds on savory ones for an added touch of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Enjoy your hand-rolled crispy pastries warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Sweet versions pair wonderfully with a drizzle of honey, while savory ones shine alongside a fresh salad or dipping sauce.