Rubbing in

Rubbing in butter by hand

  • Last updated
    10 March 2022

About this technique

Skill level

Easy

Equipment

Mixing bowl

'Rubbing in' is a technique where flour is rubbed into a fat to make dishes such as shortcrust pastry, crumbles and scones.

-Using your fingertips, rub the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs (fine or coarse, depending on the recipe).

-Lift the mixture up as you rub it in so that the air going through it keeps it cool.

-Shake the bowl every so often to bring the larger lumps of butter to the surface.

Recipes using this technique