Flaky, golden, and irresistibly versatile, this Square Pastry recipe is your go-to for creating delectable treats with customizable fillings. Made from scratch with buttery, all-purpose flour dough, these pastries bake to perfection in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you prefer a sweet filling like fruit preserves or a savory option like cheese and herbs, the possibilities are endless. With a beautifully crisp texture achieved through careful chilling and a glossy finish from an easy egg wash, these pastries are as stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee, this recipe is a must-try for both novice and seasoned bakers.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition. Stop once the dough comes together into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain flakiness.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes to chill.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 5mm (1/4 inch) thick.
Cut the rolled dough into even squares. The size of each square can vary depending on your preference; a common size is 10cm x 10cm (4 inches x 4 inches).
Add your desired filling to the center of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
Fold the edges of each square over the filling, or layer a second square on top to seal, pressing gently with a fork. Ensure the edges are secure to prevent leakage during baking.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with the tablespoon of milk or water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Place the prepared square pastries on the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each pastry.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Calories |
1353 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.8 g | 175% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.8 g | 409% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 525 mg | 175% | |
| Sodium | 2753 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.5 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 132 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 274 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.