Baking & Pastry > Pastries (Laminated Dough) > Puff Pastry > Palmiers Recipe

Classic Palmiers

Learn how to make these elegant and delicious French pastries, also known as elephant ears or butterfly cookies. This Palmiers recipe is simple, uses only two ingredients, and delivers a satisfyingly crisp and caramelized treat. Perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet addition to your afternoon tea.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Servings
Approximately 24 Palmiers
Ingredients
  • 1 package (about 14 oz/400g) Puff Pastry
  • 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar

Prepare Your Workspace

Lightly flour a clean, flat surface. This will prevent the puff pastry from sticking. Also, have a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready.

Unfold and Sugar the Puff Pastry

Carefully unfold the puff pastry sheet onto the floured surface. Sprinkle half of the granulated sugar evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. Gently press the sugar into the pastry using a rolling pin. This helps the sugar adhere and caramelize better during baking.

Folding Technique - First Fold

Imagine the pastry sheet divided in half lengthwise. Fold one side of the pastry towards the center line, covering half of the sheet. Then, fold the other side over to meet the first fold at the center line. You should now have two layers of pastry folded over each other.

Second Fold and Sugaring

Sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar over the top of the folded pastry. Again, gently press the sugar into the pastry using a rolling pin to help it adhere. Now, fold the entire stack in half along the center line. You should now have a compact, layered roll of pastry.

Slicing the Palmiers

Using a sharp knife, slice the pastry roll into 1/4-inch (6mm) thick slices. Thinner slices will result in crispier palmiers. Place the sliced palmiers onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one as they will spread during baking.

Baking the Palmiers

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the palmiers for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Flip the palmiers halfway through baking to ensure even browning on both sides. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.

Cooling and Serving

Remove the palmiers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet. Serve and enjoy!

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FAQ

  • Can I use homemade puff pastry?

    Yes, homemade puff pastry will result in even better palmiers. However, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and perfectly acceptable option.
  • What if my puff pastry is frozen?

    Make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely in the refrigerator before using it. This will prevent it from being too sticky or difficult to work with.
  • Can I add spices or flavorings?

    Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the sugar before sprinkling it on the pastry. You can also add citrus zest or even a pinch of salt for a more complex flavor.
  • How do I store Palmiers?

    Store cooled palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as they may lose some of their crispness over time.