Cut cold butter into ⅓" cubes. Return butter cubes to refrigerator to keep cold.
1 ¼ Cups unsalted, cold butter (cut into ⅓" cubes)
Using a cheese grater, grate the additional 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of butter. Set aside.
4 Tablespoons unsalted, cold butter (grated)
Add salt to the cold water. Stir to dissolve the salt.
1 teaspoon salt, 1 Cup ice water
Place flour in a large bowl. Add the grated butter. Press the butter between your fingers and thumbs - continue working until the mixture is powdery.
3 Cups all-purpose flour
Add butter cubes to the flour mixture. Toss to distribute evenly.
Add water/salt to the bowl. Mix gently with a rubber spatula.
Pour the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead dough lightly until it begins to hold together.
Note: To get those perfect flaky layers, it’s important to fold the pastry the right way. If you're unsure how, check out the step-by-step video at the end of the recipe card.
Sprinkle dough with flour. Press down with your hand to form into a rectangle.
Press and pound dough with a rolling pin to flatten further. Roll over the dough with the rolling pin until it is approximately ¼" thick and a 8" x 20" rectangle.
Fold both ends of the dough in towards the center. Fold over again to form 4 layers.
Wrap the dough in plastic and place in refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap. Turn the dough so the fold is on the left and the open flap on the right.
Repeat pressing and rolling dough to form another 8" x 20" rectangle. Again, fold both ends of the dough in towards the center. Fold over again to form 4 layers.
One last time, repeat pressing and rolling dough to form another 8" x 20" rectangle. Again, fold both ends of the dough in towards the center. Fold over again to form 4 layers.
Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using.