Quick Easy Homemade Puff Pastry

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for added flakiness)

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Incorporate Butter:
   Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until you have pea-sized chunks.
3. Add Water:
   Gradually pour in cold water and lemon juice, stirring until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Form the Dough:
   Shape the dough into a rough rectangle. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Fold:
   Roll the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 10×15 inches. Fold into thirds (like a letter). Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat this roll-and-fold process 4-5 times to create flaky layers. Chill between folds if the butter starts to soften.
6. Final Chill:
   Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) before using.
7. Bake:
   Roll out as needed for your recipe — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Would you like me to add some filling ideas or maybe a sweet vs savory version?