Pastries have been a popular dessert for centuries, and with good reason. They’re a versatile, easy-to-make treat that can be filled with anything from fruit to chocolate to cheese.

But have you ever considered adding herbs to your pastries? Herbs can bring a whole new level of flavor to your baked goods, and they also have numerous health benefits. In this article, we’ll show you how to make herb-infused pastries from scratch that are sure to impress your friends and family.

Choosing the right herbs

First things first, you’ll need to decide which herbs you want to infuse into your pastries. Some herbs, like lavender and rosemary, are well-known for their flavor and are commonly used in baking.

Others, like thyme and basil, may not be as traditional in desserts but can still add a delicious twist. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so you’ll need to use less.

Herb-infused pastry dough

The easiest way to infuse herbs into your pastries is by adding them to the dough. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:.

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: Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (or 1 tablespoon dried herbs)

: Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Add the chopped herbs and knead the dough briefly to incorporate them.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

Herb-infused fillings

Once you have your infused dough, you can use it to make any type of pastry you like. But to really take things to the next level, consider adding herbs to your filling as well. Here are some ideas to get you started:.

: Fruit tarts with basil cream

• 1 pre-baked tart crust made with herb-infused dough
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 pint fresh berries

: Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
2. Gently fold in the chopped basil and sugar until well combined.
3. Spread the basil cream evenly into the pre-baked tart crust.
4. Top with fresh berries and serve chilled.

: Savory turnovers with thyme and cheese

• 1 pre-baked turnover made with herb-infused dough
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 egg, beaten

: Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese and chopped thyme.
3. Roll out the herb-infused dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Cut the dough into 6-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a bowl as a guide.
5. Spoon the cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
6. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg.
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
8. Brush the tops of the turnovers with more egg wash.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Herb-infused glazes

If you want to add even more herb flavor to your pastries, try making an herb-infused glaze. Here’s a simple recipe that can be used on almost any type of pastry:.

: Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (or 1 tablespoon dried herbs)

: Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
2. Add the chopped herbs and stir until well combined.
3. Drizzle the glaze over your pastries and let it set before serving.

Final thoughts

Herbs are a simple yet effective way to add new flavors and health benefits to your pastries. Whether you’re making sweet or savory treats, there’s an herb out there that can take your baked goods to the next level.

Try out some of the recipes and tips in this article to get started, or use them as inspiration to create your own herb-infused masterpieces.