Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Palmier cookies, also known as elephant ears or French hearts, are a classic pastry made with just two simple ingredients: puff pastry and sugar. Crispy, golden, and delicately caramelized, these cookies are elegant yet effortless, making them a perfect treat for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Their distinctive heart shape and flaky texture make them as beautiful as they are delicious. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to prepare since store-bought puff pastry does most of the work for you. With just a little folding and baking, you’ll have bakery-style cookies in under 30 minutes. Whether served with coffee, tea, or as part of a dessert platter, palmier cookies always impress with their simplicity and sophistication. If you’ve been looking for a quick recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, this is the one to keep in your collection.
Palmier Cookies – Buttery, Crispy & Elegant Treats
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Palmier Cookies, also known as elephant ears, are light, flaky French pastries made from puff pastry and sugar. These crispy, caramelized treats are simple yet elegant, perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Optional: cinnamon for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle a clean surface with half of the sugar. Place the puff pastry sheet on top and sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the pastry.
- Roll lightly with a rolling pin to press the sugar into the pastry.
- Fold the two long sides of the pastry toward the center so they meet in the middle. Fold each side again toward the center, then fold one half over the other like a book.
- Slice the pastry into 1/2-inch thick pieces and place cut-side up on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and caramelized.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For a flavor twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder with the sugar.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking, as the sugar can burn quickly.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry is the base of this recipe, providing light, buttery layers that puff beautifully when baked.
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and caramelization, creating the signature golden crunch on the outside of each cookie.
Cinnamon (optional) can be sprinkled with sugar for a warm, spiced variation.
Vanilla sugar (optional) enhances the flavor for a fragrant twist.
Salt (a pinch, optional) helps balance the sweetness.
Directions
Begin by thawing puff pastry according to package instructions. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sprinkle a generous layer of sugar onto your work surface. Place the puff pastry sheet on top, then sprinkle more sugar evenly over it. Roll lightly with a rolling pin to press the sugar into the dough.
To shape the palmiers, fold the long edges of the pastry sheet toward the center, then fold again so the edges meet in the middle. Finally, fold one half over the other to form a log. Chill briefly if needed for easier slicing.
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into slices about ½ inch thick. Arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake until puffed, golden, and caramelized, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
Cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy plain, or dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 palmier cookies. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and baking requires 15–18 minutes. Altogether, they’re ready in under 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh their crispness, warm them in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. Palmiers can also be frozen once baked; reheat directly from frozen until crisp.
Variations and Customizations
Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers
Add cinnamon to the sugar for a spiced twist.
Savory Palmiers
Use Parmesan and herbs instead of sugar for an appetizer version.
Chocolate-Dipped
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let set.
Nutty Caramel
Sprinkle finely chopped nuts with the sugar before folding.
Fruit-Glazed
Brush baked palmiers with apricot or raspberry glaze.
Vanilla Sugar Palmiers
Replace plain sugar with vanilla sugar for extra aroma.
Cardamom Twist
Add ground cardamom for a fragrant, spiced cookie.
Puff Pastry Bites
Cut smaller slices for mini palmiers, perfect for parties.
Honey Glazed
Drizzle warm palmiers with honey before serving.
Festive Palmiers
Sprinkle colored sugar for holidays and special events.
FAQs
Do I have to use store-bought puff pastry?
No, homemade puff pastry works too, but it requires more time.
Can I make palmier cookies ahead of time?
Yes, shape and slice them, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake.
Why are my palmiers not crispy?
They may need a few extra minutes in the oven—bake until golden.
How do I keep the shape neat?
Chill the pastry log before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Are palmier cookies gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free puff pastry.
Conclusion
Palmier cookies are a quick, elegant pastry that transforms simple puff pastry and sugar into a crispy, golden delight. With their heart-shaped design and caramelized layers, they’re as beautiful as they are tasty. Perfect for entertaining, gifting, or enjoying with coffee, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most satisfying.
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