Easy Homemade Puff Pastry

FOR THE PUFF PASTRY

• 1 1/4 cup very cold butter (salted)*
• 1/2 cup very cold water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt*
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

*If using unsalted butter then add ¾ teaspoon of salt. Be sure to use a good quality butter, apparently this year 2022, store brand butter quality is not what it used to be.

HAM & CHEESE ROLL UPS

• 6–8 slices cooked Ham
• 1 1/4 cups Gruyere or cheese of choice shredded

PEAR, WALNUT & CHOCOLATE CHIP CRESCENTS

• 1/2 – 1 pear sliced (not too thick/firm but ripe)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

EGG WASH

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

MORE RECIPE IDEAS

DOUBLE CHEESE TWISTS

• 1/4 – 1/2 cup shredded cheese fontal or gruyere
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian Parsley

APPLE CINNAMON FILLING

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 apple peeled, cored and sliced thin
  

  INSTRUCTIONS

  MINUTE PUFF PASTRY

  • Using a food processor, fitted with the metal blade, add flour and salt to the bowl, then add 3/4 cup (170 grams) cold butter cut in cubes and pulse until butter is absorbed (about 10 to 12 one second pulses), then add the remaining cold butter (cubed) and pulse two or three times (no more) to combine, add the cold water and pulse four or five times just until the dough comes together to form a ball (really important not to over process).
  • On a lightly floured surface place dough and knead lightly approximately 10 times. With a lightly floured rolling- pin (lightly flour the dough so it doesn’t stick) roll into a rectangle approximately 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 centimeters).
  • Fold the dough like an envelope (see photos) then fold in half, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 – 2 hours (I left mine in the fridge for two hours).

  Pre-heat oven to 375° (190° celsius) (for all recipes).

  HAM & CHEESE ROLL UPS

  • Remove from the fridge and on a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling-pin roll the still folded dough (I cut the dough in two parts, refrigerate the unused dough until needed) into a rectangle (approximately 10 x 14 inches / 25 x 35 cm). I covered the dough with thin slices of cooked ham and sprinkled with shredded cheese.
  • Roll up length wise as tight as possible and brush the edges with egg wash to seal. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 20-30 minutes.  Unwrap and slice with a sharp knife into 1/4 inch slices.  Place on prepared cookie sheet, brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with more cheese, bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden.  Serve immediately.

  PEAR, WALNUT & CHOCOLATE CRESCENTS

  • Roll the remaining dough into a large circle, make 8-10 triangles.  Place 1-2 slices of pear on the large part of the triangle, top with some chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.  Roll up from the large part, place on prepared cookie sheet, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with a little sugar and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden.  Let cool then dust with powdered / icing sugar.  Enjoy.

  MORE RECIPES

  DOUBLE CHEESE TWISTS

  • In a small bowl mix together Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, set aside. Roll (1/2 or 1/3) the dough into an 1/8″ thick oval, sprinkle shredded cheese on the top half of oval, bring up the bottom half to cover the top,  brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with parmesan cheese mixture, slice into 1/2 inch strips, twist and place on parchment paper lined cookie sheets.  Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden.  Eat warm.  Enjoy!

  APPLE CINNAMON FILLING

  • In a small bowl toss together, sliced apples, brown sugar and cinnamon.
  • Roll out the  dough into a large rectangle or square 1/8 ” thick, then cut into 6-8 squares.  Top each square with 2-3 apple slices, brush the edges of the square with egg mixture.  Fold over and seal.  Brush tops of pastry with the egg wash, sprinkle with sugar and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden. Drizzle with a little frosting if desired.

  EGG WASH

  • In a small bowl beat together the egg and water.

    NOTES

    If you do make the dough by hand be sure to not over work the dough, you just want to gently combine the ingredients.

    The dough can be made in a stand up mixer with the flat beaters, beat on low just to bring the dough together and continue with the recipe.

    You can also leave the dough in the fridge over night.

    If you find your dough is browning too much, then cover it with foil and continue baking.

    Store the homemade puff pastry in the refrigerator for several days. Be sure it is sealed in plastic wrap.

    You can also freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container, it will keep in the freezer for up to a month.

    Before using the frozen dough, leave it folded and wrapped and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Roll the dough out without unfolding it first.