Hey there, sweet friend! If you’re looking for a delightful pastry that’s a little nutty and a lot comforting, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe. Today, we’re diving into the world of Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry. This recipe is warm, inviting, and perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of a well-baked treat. It’s an easy-to-make, buttery crust with that unique hazelnut depth that adds character to any dessert. Whether you’re crafting a tart for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet at home, this pastry will surely become a new favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you try making Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry? For starters, it’s an incredibly versatile dough that can be the base for numerous delicious desserts. Picture this: a beautifully crafted tart filled with luscious fruits, creamy custards, or rich chocolate. Each forkful is enhanced by the buttery, nutty flavor of hazelnuts that sets this pastry apart from traditional shortcrusts. Not only does it taste divine, but it also adds an appealing texture to your creations.

Plus, working with this dough is a treat in itself. Rolling out pastry can be therapeutic, a moment just for you in an otherwise busy world. And let’s not forget, making pastry from scratch is a fantastic way to impress your friends and family. You’ll get to bask in the “wow” factor from everyone as they take that first bite. So why not whip up this simple yet sophisticated pastry and let the magic unfold?

How to Make Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry

Ingredients:

110 g butter (cold, cut into cubes)
110 g sugar
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
50 g egg (about 1 egg)
65 g hazelnut flour
250 g all-purpose flour (Type 00)

Directions:

To get started, gather your ingredients. The first step is super simple. Place the cold butter cubes into a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. It’s important that the butter is cold because that’s what will make your pastry flaky and delicious, just the way we like it.

Next, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mixer. Set the mixer to medium speed, letting it work its magic until everything is well combined and creamy. It should resemble a luscious frosting – who can resist that?

Once you’re at that creamy stage, crack in the egg. Mix it all together until it’s fully integrated. It might just be the most effortless egg-beating you’ve ever done! Gradually introduce the hazelnut flour and all-purpose flour into the mixture. Keep mixing until the dough comes together and feels smooth, this is your shortcrust pastry!

Now, here comes the fun part: roll out the dough! Grab two sheets of parchment paper and place your dough between them. Roll it out to about 3 mm thickness, taking care to maintain an even surface. Once you’ve achieved that perfect thickness, transfer the rolled dough to the freezer. Chilling it will help it hold its shape beautifully when baked.

When you’re ready to use your pastry, preheat your oven and let the baking begin! This dough makes for an incredible base for tarts or pies, and it’s delightful served warm or with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Trust me, the combination is pure bliss.

How to Serve Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry

Now that you’re armed with this delightful hazelnut shortcrust pastry, how do you serve it? The possibilities are endless! Use it as the base for your favorite tarts, whether that’s a rich chocolate filling, a tangy lemon curd, or a medley of fresh fruit. Each filling will highlight the nutty richness of the pastry, elevating your dessert to new heights.

If you’re feeling particularly decadent, serve a slice warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Hot pastry plus cold ice cream creates a fantastic contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds. You can also sprinkle some toasted hazelnuts on top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.

How to Store Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry

If you have leftover shortcrust pastry or have made it ahead of time, storing it properly is essential. You can keep it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to three days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out again; it will make your life so much easier!

If you want to store some for longer, you can freeze it! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. This will keep it good for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and roll it out hassle-free.

Tips to Make Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry

Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to achieving that flaky texture, so don’t skip this step!
Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough pastry, and that’s the opposite of what we want.
Chill before rolling: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps maintain its shape during baking.
Use Type 00 flour: If possible, using Type 00 flour enhances the texture of your pastry. It yields a tender, delicate crust that melts in your mouth.

Variation

If hazelnuts aren’t your thing or if you want to try something different, feel free to substitute the hazelnut flour with almond flour! Almonds give a different flavor but still provide that warm, nutty taste that elevates your dessert.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, or even freeze it for later use.
How do I prevent the pastry from shrinking while baking?
Chilling your dough before baking and not overworking it will help maintain its shape, preventing it from shrinking.
What can I fill this pastry with?
The options are endless! You can use chocolate ganache, pastry cream, fruit fillings, or even savory options like quiche for a delightful brunch treat.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather those ingredients and give this Hazelnut Shortcrust Pastry a try. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can deliver such rich, buttery goodness! Happy baking!