Homemade pastry dough with only 3 ingredients

Oh, my dear children and grandchildren… how many times have you seen me in the kitchen, with the table covered in flour, making those pastries that everyone loves on Sunday? The kind that crackles in your mouth, is crispy, and doesn’t feel heavy? Well, today I’m going to share one of my most guarded treasures with you: the recipe for homemade pastry dough with only 3 ingredients.

This recipe is a true lifesaver in the kitchen. For a last-minute dinner, an afternoon snack, or when unexpected guests arrive, it’s my salvation. And the best part? It’s so simple that even those who have never baked before will be able to make it. Pay close attention to my grandma’s tips—they make all the difference!

Why This 3-Ingredient Dough is So Special

The Magic of Simplicity

Making a homemade pastry dough with only 3 ingredients is proof that what is good doesn’t need to be complicated. The heavy cream is the secret! It provides the necessary fat and tenderness, replacing the vodka or cachaça that some recipes use, and the result is a dough that rolls out easily, gets super crispy, and doesn’t become soggy with oil.

Benefits You’ll Notice When You Eat It

• Economical: It only requires flour, heavy cream, and salt. Basic items everyone has at home.
• Practical: It doesn’t need to rest for long and is very easy to knead.
• Versatile: It works for both sweet and savory pastries. Just omit the salt from the dough and add a tablespoon of sugar if you want to make a sweet version.
• Guaranteed Result: It always turns out crispy, beautiful, and flavorful—the kind that’s always a hit at any table.

Our 3 Magical Ingredients

Write this down, with care:

• 1 box of heavy cream (200g)
• 1 generous pinch of salt (to enhance the flavor)
• 2 heaping cups of all-purpose flour (use a 200ml cup as a measure)

The Step-by-Step with Grandma’s Love

Follow along carefully—it’s impossible to get wrong!

1. The Dough Base: In a large bowl, place all the heavy cream and the pinch of salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon or a fork just to combine.
2. Time to Knead: Now, we’ll add the all-purpose flour, half a cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. At first, it will look like crumbs, but trust the process!
3. The Perfect Point: When the dough starts to become firm and pulls away from the bowl, it’s time to get your hands in the dough, literally! Transfer it to a clean, floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until it becomes smooth and soft. Be careful not to over-knead!
4. The Well-Deserved Rest: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed bag and let it rest peacefully in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important for the dough to relax and become easier to roll out.
5. Rolling and Filling: Sprinkle a little flour on the table and roll out the dough with a rolling pin, as thinly as you can. The thinner, the crispier it will be! Cut it into your desired shape.
6. The Sealing: Place your preferred filling on one half, fold the other half over the top, and press the edges well with your fingers. To ensure it doesn’t open, press a fork all around the edges, creating a beautiful pattern.
7. The Golden Moment: Fry in hot oil, but not smoking hot. The pastry should brown quickly on both sides. Fry only a few at a time so the oil doesn’t cool down.

Grandma’s Little Secrets for a Perfect Pastry

• Dough Sticking? If the dough is still too sticky when kneading, just add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
• The Oil Test: Throw a tiny piece of dough into the oil. If it rises quickly, sizzling and bubbling, the oil is at the perfect temperature.
• For Freezing: After assembling the pastries, place them on a tray with space between them and freeze. Once they are hard, store them in a bag. They can go straight from the freezer into the hot oil.

Video – Homemade pastry dough with only 3 ingredients!

I wholeheartedly thank Canal Menino Prendado for sharing the foundation for this wonderful recipe. It was there that I saw this brilliant idea and adapted it with my grandma’s touches, and now I pass it on to you, my family.

I hope this recipe creates as many happy memories for your families as it has for mine. The kitchen is the place of love, and nothing shows more love than food made with your own hands.

With all my affection, Grandma.