Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 250 g bread flour
- 50 g unsalted butter (room temperature, for the dough)
- 3 g salt (1 tsp)
- 10 g sugar (1 tbsp)
- 120 ml cold water
- 120 g unsalted butter (softened but not melted, for spreading)
For the Filling:
- Strawberry jam
- Chocolate jam
Before Baking:
- Egg Wash: 2 tbsp eggs + 2 tbsp milk (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix 250 g bread flour, 50 g unsalted butter, 3 g salt, and 10 g sugar until well combined.
- Add Water: Gradually stir in 120 ml cold water until the dough comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer to a clean surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should stretch slightly without tearing.
- Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter for Laminating
- Flatten the Butter: Place 120 g unsalted butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a thin rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
- Chill the Butter: Refrigerate the flattened butter until firm but still pliable.
Step 3: Laminate the Dough
- Roll Out the Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it into a rectangle that’s twice the size of the butter sheet.
- Encapsulate the Butter: Place the chilled butter in the center of the dough and fold the dough over to completely enclose the butter.
- Roll and Fold: Roll the dough into a larger rectangle, then fold it into thirds (like a letter). Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- Repeat: Roll and fold the dough two more times, chilling for 30 minutes between each fold to create layers.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastries
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Roll Out the Dough: After the final chill, roll out the laminated dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut the Dough: Cut into rectangles or squares as desired.
- Add Filling: Place a small amount of strawberry and chocolate jam in the center of each piece. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
- Seal the Pastries: Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
- Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of eggs and 2 tablespoons of milk.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Generously brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash for a golden crust.
Step 6: Bake the Pastries
- Bake: Arrange the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
Step 7: Serve
- Enjoy: Serve warm for the best flaky texture and sweet filling. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later.
Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control: Keep butter cold but pliable to maintain layers. If too soft, it will absorb into the dough; if too hard, it may break.
- Filling Variations: Try custard, Nutella, or fruit preserves as filling options.
- Chill Between Folds: Essential for creating the flaky layers in puff pastry.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 200 mg
Enjoy your crispy puff pastries! 🥐✨