Palmiers (Easy Puff Pastry Cookies) Recipe

There is something truly magical about the delicate, crisp, and buttery charm of Palmiers, often called elephant ears, and this Palmiers (Easy Puff Pastry Cookies) Recipe captures that charm perfectly. These cookies combine the flaky layers of puff pastry with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re serving them with coffee or packing them as a sweet surprise, these Palmiers bring elegance and joy with every buttery bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Palmiers (Easy Puff Pastry Cookies) Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll get a cookie that’s both sophisticated and straightforward.

• 1 package puff pastry: This flaky, buttery dough is the foundation of the cookies, providing those signature layers.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness and caramelization come from this essential component.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with sugar and butter.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

How to Make Palmiers (Easy Puff Pastry Cookies) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

Start by combining the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. This simple blend will be your magical coating, giving the cookies their irresistible crunch and spicy-sweet flavor.

Step 2: Prep Your Workspace with Cinnamon Sugar

Lightly sprinkle some of the cinnamon sugar on your rolling mat or countertop. This step prevents sticking and adds extra flavor to the bottom side of the pastry as you work.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Unwrap your puff pastry and gently press or roll it into a smooth, even rectangle. If your pastry has any seams, flatten those out so the layers bake evenly and puff properly.

Step 4: Score and Coat

Make a light score right down the middle lengthwise with a sharp knife—this is a guide for rolling. Then generously sprinkle the surface of the pastry with the cinnamon sugar, covering it evenly for that signature crunch.

Step 5: Roll from Both Sides Toward Center

Begin rolling one long side toward the center line, like you’re making a cinnamon roll. Then turn the pastry and roll the opposite side to meet in the middle. Press gently where they come together, then flip the roll over to the seam side down.

Step 6: Chill the Dough Roll

Cut the roll in half, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This cooling time firms up the dough for cleaner cuts later on and helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure these flaky layers don’t stick and to help with even browning.

Step 8: Slice and Coat the Cookies

Remove the chilled roll from the fridge and slice into ¼-inch thick cookies. Dip each slice lightly in the cinnamon sugar and press the cookies gently together before placing them on the baking sheet, leaving plenty of space for spreading.

Step 9: Bake and Shape

Place no more than eight cookies per sheet for proper heat circulation. During baking, the cookies will spread and puff; use a fork to gently press them back into shape if they lose their iconic form.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Once golden and caramelized, remove the cookies from the oven. You can enjoy these treats warm or let them cool completely for that perfect crisp texture.

How to Serve Palmiers (Easy Puff Pastry Cookies) Recipe

Garnishes

While these Palmiers are gorgeous on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a festive touch. For a citrusy twist, a tiny zest of orange or lemon sprinkled over the top brightens the rich butteriness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Palmiers with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even hot chocolate. Their sugary crunch complements hot beverages beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon treat or an elegant dessert plate highlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, arrange the cookies in a spiral or fan shape on a decorative platter. You can also sandwich them around a layer of rich cream cheese frosting or Nutella for a delightful variation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cookies left after the first round, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their crispness for up to four days, perfect for a few extra snack moments.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked rolled dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month. When ready, thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking. Baked Palmiers can also be frozen, separated by parchment to avoid sticking.

Reheating

To revive your stored cookies, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This restores their fresh-baked crispness without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I make Palmiers without puff pastry from the store?

While homemade puff pastry is an option, using store-bought pastry is a huge time saver and ensures consistent flakiness for this recipe. Making puff pastry from scratch can be labor-intensive, so the pre-made version is perfect for quick treats.

What makes these cookies so crisp and flaky?

It’s the butter layers in the puff pastry that create steam during baking, puffing up the dough into delicate, crispy layers. The sugar caramelizes, adding crunch and a golden finish.

Can I substitute the cinnamon with other spices?

Absolutely! While cinnamon is classic, you could experiment with cardamom, nutmeg, or even a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick. Just keep the sugar balance in mind for sweet-savory combos.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Palmiers remain fresh and crunchy for several days at room temperature. After that, they might lose some crispness but still taste wonderful.

Are Palmiers gluten-free?

Traditional Palmiers use puff pastry made from wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, gluten-free puff pastry is available in specialty stores if you need an alternative.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning cookie to impress friends or treat yourself, this Palmiers (Easy Puff Pastry Cookies) Recipe is a must-try. With its buttery layers and cinnamon sugar sparkle, it feels special while remaining incredibly easy. Once you bake your first batch, these charming cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Print