These Delicious Pastries are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With layers of soft, buttery dough and a creamy cheese filling, these pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack. The combination of flaky pastry and savory cheese makes them irresistible and ideal for any occasion. Let’s walk through the steps to create these scrumptious, golden-brown pastries that are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love These Pastries
These pastries are rich, flaky, and filled with creamy white cheese, making them a comforting treat that’s hard to resist. The dough is layered with butter, creating a puff pastry-like texture without the need for store-bought puff pastry. The simple ingredients and easy techniques make this recipe accessible, even for those new to pastry-making. The end result is a tray of golden, crisp pastries that are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients (Makes About 25 Pastries)
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) water
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups (600 g) flour
For Greasing:
- 2/3 cup (1 1/3 sticks or 150 g) butter or margarine, softened
For the Filling:
- White cheese (such as feta or ricotta), amount to taste
For Spreading:
- 1 egg yolk
Nutritional Information (Per Pastry)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large kneading bowl, combine the water and egg, whisking together until well mixed.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing continuously with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough briefly in the bowl until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Step 2: Divide and Roll Out the Dough
- Divide the rested dough into 2 equal pieces.
- Take the first piece of dough and roll it out on the counter as thinly as possible, using a rolling pin. Aim for a large, thin sheet of dough.
- Spread half of the softened butter or margarine over the entire surface of the first layer of dough. This will help create flaky layers in the pastry.
- Roll out the second piece of dough in the same manner and place it on top of the first layer.
- Gently stretch the edges of the dough to enlarge it slightly and cover the first layer completely.
- Spread the remaining butter or margarine over the second layer of dough, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Fold and Rest the Dough
- Fold the dough from the edges towards the center, creating multiple layers of butter and dough.
- Apply more butter or margarine to the folded edges to ensure all layers are well-lubricated with butter.
- Repeat the folding and greasing process as needed, folding the dough into a compact shape.
- Cover the folded dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to shape and enhancing the flakiness of the pastries.
Step 4: Shape the Pastries
- After resting, roll out the dough into a square shape on a lightly floured surface, using a rolling pin. Aim for an even thickness throughout.
- Cut the dough into 25 equal pieces, using a knife or a pastry cutter. Each piece should be about 2-3 inches square.
- Place a small amount of white cheese in the center of each piece. You can use your favorite white cheese, such as feta, ricotta, or even cottage cheese, depending on your preference.
- Fold each piece into an envelope shape, pressing the edges to seal. Ensure the cheese is well enclosed to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Pastries
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Place the shaped pastries on a baking tray lined with baking paper, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even baking.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with egg yolk. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.
- Make small scratches with a knife on the tops of the pastries for decoration, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with a cup of tea or coffee. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Tips for Perfect Pastries
- Ensure the Dough is Thin: Rolling the dough thinly and evenly is key to achieving light, flaky layers in the final pastry.
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest and chill helps to firm up the butter, making the pastries easier to shape and enhancing the flakiness.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like spinach and cheese, meat, or sweet options like jam or chocolate.
These Delicious Pastries are a fantastic addition to any meal or snack time. With their buttery layers and savory cheese filling, they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy baking and sharing these wonderful treats!