Hand-Rolled Crispy Pastries

The magic of these hand-rolled crispy pastries lies in the delicate interplay between the buttery, flaky crust and the luscious filling hidden within. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by the burst of flavor from your chosen filling, whether it’s the sweetness of cinnamon and jam or the savory richness of cheese and herbs. They’re easy to customize and so irresistibly delicious that one batch is never enough!

Ingredients:

For the Pastry Dough:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) ice-cold water

For the Filling (Choose Sweet or Savory):

Sweet Option:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/3 cup (75 g) fruit jam or preserves

Savory Option:

• 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup (40 g) diced cooked bacon or ham
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or chives)

For Finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for sweet pastries) or sesame seeds (for savory pastries)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the cubed butter, using your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick.
3. Cut the dough into 4×4-inch (10×10 cm) squares.
4. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each square. Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage.

Step 3: Roll and Seal

1. Roll each square tightly, starting from one corner and working diagonally to form a cigar shape.
2. Press the edges gently to seal.
3. Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush each pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar or sesame seeds.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.