Homemade Shortcrust Pastry (Easy, Buttery & Foolproof)

This easy recipe creates a buttery, tender, and flaky dough ideal for tarts, pies, and cookies. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s a staple in European baking and comes together in minutes.

Homemade Shortcrust Pastry (Easy, Buttery & Foolproof)

Course: Cooking Tips
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients
(typical pasta frolla ratios)

  • 300 g flour

  • 200 g butter

  • 100 g sugar

  • 2 egg

  • Optional:
  • Zest of 1 lemon (for flavor)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  • Make the dough
    Mix flour, sugar, butter, egg, and lemon zest
    Work quickly until a smooth dough forms
    Wrap and chill for 30 minutes
    👉Resting helps the dough become easier to handle and keeps it crumbly after baking

Notes

  • Pro Tips for Perfect Shortcrust Pastry
    Keep ingredients cold for a flaky texture
    Don’t over-knead or the dough will become tough
    Chill before rolling to prevent shrinking
    For extra crispness, chill again after shaping
  • How to Use Shortcrust Pastry
    Fruit tarts
    Lemon tart
    Apple pie
    Jam cookies
  • Storage
    Fridge: up to 2 days
    Freezer: up to 2 months