Classic Flaky Pastry (Rough Puff)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Frostings fillings toppings Medium

Flaky pastry keeps chunks of cold fat in the flour so baking produces thin, tender layers. This rough puff version folds the butter in three turns for extra lift, and is baked here as 12 sugar-topped squares. Makes 12 squares in about 2 hr 22 min.

Prep 30 min

Cook 22 min

Cooling 1 hr 30 min

Total 2 hr 22 min

Yield 12 squares

Ingredients

Adjust yield

squares

2 cups (250 g)all-purpose flour
½ tsp (3 g)fine salt
1 cup (200 g)unsalted butter, very cold, cut in 3/4-inch cubes
½ cup (120 ml)ice water, about
2 ½ tbsp (30 g)granulated sugar
1 (50 g)egg, beaten

Baking tools for this recipe

Convert to grams Scale it Change the pan

Instructions

Whisk the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and toss to coat; do not break them down.
Stir in the water with a knife until a rough, shaggy dough forms with visible butter chunks.
Press into a rectangle on a floured surface and roll out to 8x16 inches. Fold in thirds like a letter, turn 90 degrees, and roll out again.
Fold in thirds, wrap and chill 30 minutes. Repeat two more roll-and-fold turns, chilling 20 minutes between each.
Roll to a 9x12-inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick; trim the edges and cut 12 squares.
Place on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Chill 15 minutes.
Bake at 425 F (220 C) for 20 to 22 minutes until risen, deep golden and crisp. Cool on a rack.

Tips

Cold butter and a hot oven create steam that lifts the layers.
Do not press the cut edges with the knife or the layers will seal.
Dough keeps in the fridge up to 2 days or freezes 3 months.
Good with tea.

Made this?

Log it to keep your bakes, ratings and notes together in My Kitchen.

Be the first to share one.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make classic flaky pastry (rough puff)?

Plan on 30 minutes of prep and 22 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour 30 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 12 squares.

How should I store classic flaky pastry (rough puff)?

Keep baked squares in an airtight container at room temperature 2 days. Refrigerate or freeze the raw dough.

Can I make classic flaky pastry (rough puff) ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Serve it with tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

211 Calories / serving

14.1g Fat

18.4g Carbs

2.8g Protein

2.6g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~2532 cal · 169g fat · 221g carbs · 34g protein · 31g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.