As its name suggests, shortcrust pastry should be “short” that is, crisp but not hard or tough, melt in the mouth but not over rich. To achieve the right, light texture there are certain rules which you must follow every time:-
a) Measure your ingredients
b) Coolness
c) Light Handling
d) Add Water with caution
e) Relaxing the dough
f) Correct rolling out
g) Bake in a pre-heated oven
h) Bake at the recommented temperature
Refer here the ** cooking tips ** and ** Pastry Recipes **