Palmiers

Palmiers, also known as “Elephant Ears,” are delicate French pastries that combine buttery puff pastry with caramelized sugar for the perfect crisp texture and golden finish. Despite their fancy appearance, these cookies are incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients—puff pastry, sugar, and salt—you can create a stunning dessert or snack that looks straight out of a bakery. Perfect for holiday trays, tea parties, or an elegant treat with coffee, these Palmiers will impress without stress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cane sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 puff pastry sheets, defrosted (found in the frozen dessert aisle near frozen pies)

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Prepare the sugar mixture: In a small bowl, combine cane sugar and kosher salt. Pour 1/4 of the mixture onto a clean, flat surface.
3. Roll out the puff pastry: Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry directly onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle another 1/4 of the sugar mixture evenly over the top. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough until it measures about 13 by 13 inches. Press firmly so the sugar adheres to both sides.
4. Create the classic palmier folds: Fold the left and right sides of the dough toward the center so they meet halfway. Fold both sides again so the edges meet exactly in the middle. Then fold the two halves together to form one long, compact log.
5. Slice and arrange: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 3/8-inch pieces. Place each slice on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for spreading. Sprinkle a bit of the leftover sugar mixture on top of each cookie.
6. Bake and flip: Bake for 6–8 minutes, or until the bottoms are caramelized and golden brown. Flip each cookie using a spatula and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the other side is equally caramelized.
7. Cool and serve: Transfer the baked Palmiers to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once crisp and golden.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Palmiers are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the sugar is crisp and caramelized. Serve them alongside coffee, tea, or espresso for a European café experience. They also make elegant additions to dessert platters or holiday cookie trays.
• Storage: Once cooled completely, store Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crunch.
• Freezing: Freeze baked Palmiers in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
• Make Ahead: Prepare and shape the dough logs ahead of time, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before slicing and baking.

Variations

1. Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a warm, aromatic twist that pairs perfectly with coffee or hot cocoa.
2. Chocolate Palmiers: Sprinkle cocoa powder over the sugar layer before folding to create a rich chocolatey flavor.
3. Nutella Palmiers: Spread a thin layer of Nutella over the puff pastry before folding for a sweet and creamy chocolate-hazelnut version.
4. Savory Parmesan Palmiers: Replace the sugar with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for a delicious savory snack.
5. Honey Palmiers: Drizzle honey over the puff pastry before folding to achieve a deep, golden caramel flavor.
6. Raspberry Jam Palmiers: Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam before folding for a fruity, tangy variation.
7. Pistachio Palmiers: Add finely chopped pistachios and a pinch of cardamom to the sugar for a nutty, exotic touch.
8. Coconut Palmiers: Mix shredded coconut with the sugar mixture before rolling to add tropical flavor and texture.
9. Maple Sugar Palmiers: Substitute cane sugar with maple sugar for a distinct, earthy sweetness.
10. Chocolate-Dipped Palmiers: Once baked and cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent finish.
11. Vanilla Bean Palmiers: Mix the seeds of one vanilla bean into the sugar before sprinkling to enhance aroma and flavor.
12. Almond Palmiers: Add finely ground almonds to the sugar mixture for a subtle nutty flavor.
13. Lemon Sugar Palmiers: Add 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the sugar for a bright citrusy twist.
14. Espresso Palmiers: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the sugar mixture for a bold, coffee-infused treat.
15. Rose Sugar Palmiers: Mix a few drops of rose water with sugar for a floral, elegant touch—perfect for special occasions.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
   Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and provides even flakier results if you have the time to prepare it.
2. Why do my Palmiers burn before they’re fully cooked?
   Your oven may run hot. Try baking at 400°F instead of 425°F and monitor closely during the final minutes.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of cane sugar?
   Yes, but brown sugar caramelizes faster, so reduce baking time slightly and watch carefully.
4. How do I keep Palmiers crispy after baking?
   Ensure they cool completely before storing and avoid humid environments.
5. Can I make Palmiers without rolling sugar on both sides?
   It’s possible, but rolling sugar on both sides gives the cookies their signature caramelized crunch.
6. Do Palmiers need to be refrigerated?
   No, they should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Refrigeration can make them soft.
7. Can I use flavored puff pastry?
   Yes, flavored or butter puff pastry adds an extra layer of richness and taste.
8. Can I make mini Palmiers?
   Absolutely! Just slice the rolled dough thinner (about 1/4 inch) and reduce baking time slightly.
9. Why didn’t my Palmiers puff up?
   Your pastry may have been too warm before baking. Always start with chilled dough for best results.
10. What should I serve with Palmiers?
    They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or served as a light dessert with ice cream or whipped cream.

Palmiers are the perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can create a sophisticated and irresistible treat. With their buttery layers, caramelized sugar coating, and crisp texture, these cookies offer elegance with minimal effort. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging yourself, these golden Palmiers bring a touch of French bakery charm right to your kitchen.

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