The key to a flaky puff pastry is keeping the butter and dough cold throughout the process. Chill your ingredients, especially the butter, before starting.
Use high-quality butter
Opt for high-fat butter with low water content for the best results. European-style butters work well due to their higher fat content.
Work Quickly
Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent the butter from melting. Work efficiently to keep everything cold.
Layering is Key
Puff pastry gets its flaky texture from layers of butter and dough. Make sure to roll and fold the dough several times to create those layers.
Chill Between Folds
After each fold, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and prevent the butter from melting.
Roll Evenly
Roll the dough into a rectangle or square shape, maintaining even thickness throughout. This ensures uniform layers and consistent puffing during baking.
Avoid Overworking
Don't knead the dough too much, as it can develop gluten and result in a tough pastry. Gentle handling is key.
Proper Resting Time
Once the pastry is assembled, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking. This allows the layers to relax and ensures a flaky texture.