Delicious Pastry Recipes for Every Occasion

1. Flaky Croissants

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter (for lamination)
• Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp milk)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Slowly add warm milk and knead until a smooth dough forms. Incorporate the softened butter and knead for about 5 minutes until elastic.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment and pound gently to form an even rectangle.
5. Place the cold butter on one half of the dough, and fold the other half over to encase the butter. Roll out to a larger rectangle, then fold the sides in to perform a letter fold.
6. Repeat the rolling and folding process three more times, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes between folds.
7. Finally, roll out the dough, cut into triangles, and shape into croissants. Let rise for another hour before brushing with egg wash.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

2. Classic Apple Pie

Ingredients:

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• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• 6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter, diced

Instructions:

1. To make the crust, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture comes together.
2. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
3. For the filling, mix sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
4. Roll out one dough ball, place in a pie dish, and fill with apple mixture. Dot with butter.
5. Roll out the second dough ball for a top layer, cut slits for steam, and cover the pie. Seal edges and brush with milk.
6. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350°F, and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until apples are tender and crust is golden.

3. Cream Puffs (Profiteroles)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate for drizzling

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine water and butter; bring to a boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball.
2. Let cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden.
4. For the filling, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until peaks form.
5. Once cooled, fill each cream puff with whipped cream. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate before serving.

4. Lemon Tart with Shortbread Crust

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. For the crust, combine flour, powdered sugar, diced butter, and salt in a bowl. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of a tart pan and prick with a fork.
2. Pre-bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Whisk eggs and granulated sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice, zest, and cornstarch, and mix well.
4. Pour filling into the pre-baked crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
5. Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving chilled.

5. Eclairs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• Pinch of salt
• Pastry cream (for filling)
• Chocolate glaze (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Heat water and butter in a saucepan until boiling. Combine flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
2. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and stir in eggs one at a time until smooth.
3. Pipe the dough onto baking sheets in 4-inch logs. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden.
4. Let cool, then fill with pastry cream and top with chocolate glaze.

6. Raspberry Danishes

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out puff pastry sheets and cut into squares.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Place a dollop of cream cheese mixture and a few raspberries in the center of each square.
4. Fold the corners of the pastry towards the center and drizzle with egg wash.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed.

7. Chocolate Tart with Frangipane

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup almond paste
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract
• Dark chocolate for ganache

Instructions:

1. For the crust, mix flour, cocoa, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in butter, then mix in egg yolk and water as needed. Press crust into a tart pan.
2. Pre-bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let cool.
3. For frangipane, blend almond paste, sugar, and softened butter. Add eggs and almond extract until smooth.
4. Spread frangipane into the cooled tart shell. Bake for 25 minutes until set.
5. For ganache, warm chocolate and cream together until smooth. Pour over the baked tart and let set.

8. Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares.
2. Combine spinach, feta, and cream cheese in a bowl.
3. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto each puff pastry square. Fold into triangles and seal edges.
4. Brush with egg wash and bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

9. Pecan Pie Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecans

Instructions:

1. For the crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Press into the bottom of a tart pan and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Stir in pecans and pour mixture into the crust. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until set.

10. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually mix in flour mixture and chocolate chips.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden.

These delightful pastry recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration, a family gathering, or a cozy night in. From flaky croissants to an indulgent chocolate tart, each recipe delivers rich flavors and exquisite textures to please your palate. Each step is outlined for your convenience, allowing for easy preparation and a delightful baking experience. Don’t hesitate to get creative with fillings and toppings to add your personal touch to these classic treats!

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