The rubbing in method is a process used primarily in pastry making but it can also be used in other baking recipes such as a fruit crisp topping or scones for example.

You will see “rub the fat/butter into the flour” in a recipe in the instructions and once you get the hang of it, it’s quick and easy to do.

Follow the steps below and watch the video for details.

Banana Walnut Muffin Recipe Alt Text

The Rubbing In Method

Check out our easy step by step video

Steps

Step 1

In a good-sized bowl so you have lots of working room, measure out your flour and stir in the salt

Step 2

Add in your cold cubed butter or fat

Step 3

With clean cold hands, scoop up some of the flour with some of the butter and rub it together across your fingers with your thumb

Step 4

Keep repeating this action lifting it to the top of the bowl and dropping it between each scoop to add lots of air to your mixture making your pastries and baking light and flaky

Step 5

Keep working on it until it looks like fine breadcrumbs

Tips

If the butter starts to become too soft put the bowl into the fridge for 10 minutes or so to cool it down

Shake the bowl to bring any of the bigger lumps to the surface

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5 from 3 votes

The Rubbing in Method

The rubbing in method is a process used primarily in pastry making but it can also be used in other baking recipes such as a fruit crisp topping or scones for example.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: How To Kitchen Tips
Cuisine: American

Instructions

  • In a good-sized bowl so you have lots of working room, measure out your flour and stir in the salt
  • Add in your cold cubed butter or fat
  • With clean cold hands, scoop up some of the flour with some of the butter and rub it together across your fingers with your thumb
  • Keep repeating this action lifting it to the top of the bowl and dropping it between each scoop to add lots of air to your mixture making your pastries and baking light and flaky
  • Keep working on it until it looks like fine breadcrumbs

TIPS

  • If the butter starts to become too soft put the bowl into the fridge for 10 minutes or so to cool it down
  • Shake the bowl to bring any of the bigger lumps to the surface

Video