Orange Pastry Crust

Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning to the delightful aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through your home. These Orange Pastry Crusts are the perfect treat to enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, bringing a burst of citrusy flavor to start your day off right. The combination of zesty oranges and buttery pastry is a match made in culinary heaven, creating a delightful treat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

### Orange Pastry Crust

#### Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Mix well to distribute the zest evenly throughout the dry ingredients.

2. **Incorporate the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still have pea-sized pieces of butter in the dough.

3. **Add Water:** Gradually drizzle the cold water over the dough mixture, a little at a time, and gently mix with a fork until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

4. **Chill the Dough:** Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.

5. **Preheat the Oven:** While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round pastry cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough.

7. **Assemble the Pastries:** Place the pastry circles on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny glaze.

8. **Bake:** Bake the pastries for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

9. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the Orange Pastry Crusts to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flaky pastry and bright citrus flavor.

These Orange Pastry Crusts are sure to become a favorite in your household, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack. The tangy orange zest cuts through the richness of the buttery pastry, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. Don’t be surprised if these pastries become a regular addition to your weekend baking routine. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of sunshine with these delightful Orange Pastry Crusts!