Pastry dough is a versatile mixture made primarily from flour, fat, and water. It serves as the foundation for various baked goods, including pies, tarts, and pastries. The fat, often butter or shortening, is blended with flour to create a crumbly texture, while water helps bind the ingredients together. The dough can be rolled out and shaped to encase fillings or form the base of desserts. There are different types of pastry dough, such as shortcrust, puff pastry, and choux pastry. Each type has unique characteristics and uses. For example, shortcrust is ideal for pies, while puff pastry is known for its flaky layers, making it perfect for pastries like croissants and danishes.