Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon Palmiers are a delightful pastry treat that combines flaky, buttery layers with a caramelized, cinnamon-sugar crunch. These elegant, heart-shaped cookies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for tea time, holiday gatherings, or a quick sweet snack, these palmiers offer a satisfying balance of crispiness and warm, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a clean surface, sprinkle a generous layer of sugar mixed with cinnamon.
- Place the puff pastry sheet on top of the sugar mixture and lightly roll it out to press the sugar into the dough.
- Brush the top of the pastry with melted butter and sprinkle more cinnamon sugar evenly over the surface.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly towards the center, then repeat from the opposite side to meet in the middle, creating a double scroll shape.
- Slice the rolled pastry into 1/4-inch thick pieces and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle additional sugar on top of each palmier for extra crunch.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and caramelized.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 20 palmiers
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle Palmiers: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over cooled palmiers for an extra indulgent touch.
- Nutty Palmiers: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Savory Palmiers: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and use pesto, cheese, or tapenade for a savory twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh their crispness, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the baked palmiers in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
What are palmiers?
Palmiers are a type of French pastry made from puff pastry, often sweetened with sugar and shaped like hearts or palm leaves.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works great if you prefer making it from scratch.
Why do my palmiers come out soggy?
They may be underbaked. Ensure they are golden brown and caramelized for the best texture.
Can I make palmiers ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and freeze the unbaked slices, then bake them fresh when needed.
Do I need to thaw frozen puff pastry before using?
Yes, thaw it according to the package instructions for easy handling.
How do I keep the sugar from burning?
Bake at the recommended temperature and keep an eye on them, especially in the last few minutes of baking.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, try adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a spiced variation.
Are palmiers gluten-free?
Traditional palmiers are not, but you can use gluten-free puff pastry as an alternative.
Can I make mini palmiers?
Yes, simply roll and slice the pastry thinner for bite-sized treats.
How do I get an even shape?
Roll the pastry tightly and slice with a sharp knife to maintain uniformity.
Conclusion
Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon Palmiers are an easy, elegant treat perfect for any occasion. With their flaky layers and caramelized cinnamon-sugar crunch, they offer a delightful balance of flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed with coffee, tea, or as a festive snack, these palmiers are sure to impress.
Print
Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon Palmiers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 20 palmiers 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon Palmiers are delicate, crispy pastries with buttery, caramelized layers and a warm hint of cinnamon. Made with flaky puff pastry and a simple cinnamon-sugar mixture, they’re the perfect treat for coffee breaks, tea parties, or as an elegant dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. - Assemble the Palmiers:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches).
Brush the surface lightly with melted butter (if using) for extra richness.
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pastry, pressing gently with a rolling pin to help it stick. - Fold the Pastry:
Starting from one long side, fold the pastry inward about 1 inch toward the center. Do the same from the opposite side.
Fold both sides inward again so they meet in the middle. Finally, fold one half over the other, creating a tight log.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for 15–20 minutes to firm up for easier slicing. - Slice & Bake:
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into ½-inch thick slices.
Place the slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for spreading.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and caramelized. - Cool & Serve:
Let the palmiers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle a bit more sugar on top before baking for an extra crunchy finish.
- Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a spiced variation.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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