Simple Homemade Puff Pastry Bread

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar for a slightly sweet dough

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. Add the butter
   Add the cold cubed butter to the flour. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
3. Add water
   Gradually add cold water, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep it flaky.
4. Chill the dough
   Form the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll and fold
   On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. Fold it into thirds (like a letter). Rotate 90 degrees, roll again, and fold into thirds. Repeat this process 3–4 times, chilling for 10 minutes between folds if the butter becomes too soft.
6. Shape the bread
   Roll the dough into your desired shape—loaf, twists, or small rolls.
7. Bake
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with a little milk or egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.