How do you create flaky and tender gluten-free vegan pastry dough?

2 Choose your fat

The next step is to choose your fat. You can use vegan butter, margarine, shortening, or coconut oil, as long as they are cold and solid. The fat helps create layers of air and steam in the dough, which result in flakiness and tenderness. You can also add some vinegar or lemon juice to your fat, which helps prevent gluten formation and adds some flavor. Cut the fat into small pieces and rub it into the flour with your fingers or a pastry cutter, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3 Add your liquid

The final step is to add your liquid. You can use water, plant-based milk, or a combination of both. The liquid helps hydrate the flour and form a cohesive dough. You don't want to add too much liquid, as it can make the dough sticky and tough. You also don't want to overmix the dough, as it can develop gluten and lose its flakiness. Add the liquid gradually, stirring with a fork or a spatula, until the dough comes together in a ball.

4 Chill and roll

Once you have your dough, you need to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This helps relax the gluten, firm up the fat, and improve the flavor. When you are ready to roll out the dough, dust your work surface and rolling pin with some gluten-free flour. Roll the dough from the center to the edges, turning and flipping it occasionally, until it is about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a knife or a cookie cutter to cut out shapes for your pastry.

5 Bake and enjoy

The last step is to bake your pastry in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your pastry. You can brush the top of your pastry with some plant-based milk or oil for extra browning and crispiness. You can also fill your pastry with your favorite sweet or savory ingredients before baking, or add some glaze or frosting after baking. Enjoy your gluten-free vegan pastry dough with pride and satisfaction.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?