Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delightful twist on a classic pastry dough? Say hello to Cream Cheese Pastry Dough—a rich, flaky, and oh-so-easy-to-make base that will have your friends and family begging for seconds! This American recipe combines the tangy goodness of cream cheese with the buttery richness of unsalted butter, creating a dough that’s perfect for both sweet and savory delights. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this versatile pastry dough that’s sure to impress at your next gathering. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create your new favorite baking staple!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 pastry dough
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup of ice-cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or fork to mix them together evenly, ensuring that the salt is distributed throughout the flour.
- Add the 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add the 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese to the flour and butter mixture. Use the pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the cream cheese into the mixture until it is well incorporated and forms a crumbly texture.
- Gradually add the 1/4 cup of ice-cold water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently with a fork or your hands after each addition until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just combined.
- Once the dough has formed, gather it into a ball and shape it into a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or parchment paper, ensuring it is tightly sealed to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 30 minutes before using. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and giving it a better texture when baked.
- When ready to use, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness for your pastry.
Tips
- Keep Ingredients Cold: For the flakiest pastry, ensure your butter and cream cheese are cold before mixing. You can even chill your mixing bowl for extra precaution!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough dough, so mix just until everything is combined.
- Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is crucial. This step relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll out and ensuring a tender texture.
- Flour Your Surface: When rolling out your dough, be generous with flour on your work surface to prevent sticking. This will help you achieve a perfectly shaped pastry.
- Experiment with Fillings: This dough is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different fillings—sweet fruit, creamy cheeses, or savory meats and vegetables.
- Bake with Care: If you're baking a filled pastry, keep an eye on the oven. A golden-brown color indicates that your pastry is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 610kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 43g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Cholesterol: 120mg
