Flaky Puff Pastry Triangles

For the Puff Pastry Dough:

For the Filling (optional):

For the Egg Wash:

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll and Fold the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a long rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Turn it 90 degrees and roll it out again into a long rectangle.
Fold the dough into thirds again. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each turn.

3. Prepare the Filling (if using):

If you are using a filling, prepare it while the dough is chilling. Spoon the fruit preserves or sweetened cream cheese into a small bowl and set aside.

4. Shape and Fill the Triangles:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares, about 4×4 inches each.
Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square (if using). Fold each square into a triangle, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

5. Apply the Egg Wash:

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash.
Brush the tops of the puff pastry triangles with the egg wash to give them a golden and shiny finish.

6. Bake the Puff Pastry Triangles:

Place the triangles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

7. Serve:

Serve the puff pastry triangles warm or at room temperature.
They can be enjoyed plain, or with a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Ensure your butter and water are very cold to achieve the flakiest layers in your puff pastry.
If the dough becomes too warm at any point, refrigerate it for a few minutes before continuing to work with it.
These puff pastry triangles are versatile and can be filled with savory ingredients as well, such as cheese and ham or spinach and feta.

Enjoy your homemade flaky puff pastry triangles!