Flaky Cream Cheese Pastry

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cold water (if needed)
• For the Savory Filling:
• 1 cup cooked and chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Sweet Filling:
• 1 cup fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces remaining for added texture.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Blend in the softened cream cheese and lemon juice until the dough starts to come together. If the dough seems dry, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a soft, manageable dough that holds its shape without being sticky.
3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each pastry shape.
7. Seal the Pastries: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket or triangle shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
8. Bake: Arrange the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.