If you have a sweet tooth and love a crisp, buttery, and irresistibly caramelized treat, then you are going to adore this Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe. These classic French pastries boast flaky, golden layers of puff pastry that melt in your mouth with every bite. Sprinkled generously with sugar, they develop a delicate crunch with a caramelized sweetness that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them as an elegant afternoon snack or a delightful dessert, these Palmiers Cookies will win over anyone lucky enough to try them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these charming Palmiers requires just a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role that brings the perfect balance of sweetness, flakiness, and crisp texture. The beauty is in the simplicity—when the essentials come together, magic happens.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds the essential sweetness and creates the wonderful caramelized crust on the cookies.
- 1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets of storebought puff pastry, thawed): Puff pastry provides those signature buttery, flaky layers that define a perfect Palmiers Cookie.
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness and deepening the caramel notes.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking for beautifully shaped cookies.
How to Make Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sugar and Salt
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and place a rack in the center. While the oven warms up, mix the granulated sugar and fine sea salt together thoroughly. Pour half of this mixture onto a clean, flat surface like a large wooden cutting board. This sugary bed is key to creating that incredible caramelized coating on one side of the pastry.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Next, gently unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry right onto the sugared surface you prepared earlier. Sprinkle half of the remaining sugar mixture evenly over the pastry’s top. Using a rolling pin, roll out the sheet to a roughly 13-inch square, pressing the sugar into the dough. This step infuses the pastry with that signature sweet crunch all the way through.
Step 3: Fold the Dough
Now for the fun part—fold the two opposite sides of your pastry square toward the center. Then fold these sides in again, closing the dough like a book. This results in an 8-layer log that will create the iconic swirled shape of Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe. The layering is what gives these cookies their delightful texture and visual appeal.
Step 4: Cut and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry log into slices that are just under 1/2 inch thick. Carefully arrange each piece upright on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, making sure to leave some space between them for expansion during baking. Repeat the process with your second sheet of puff pastry for a full batch of about 40 to 45 delightful cookies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 6 to 8 minutes until the bottoms turn a golden brown and caramelized—keep a close eye, as this can be subtle but makes all the difference. Flip each cookie over gently, reshape any that lost their form, and bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until beautifully golden on the second side. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to achieve maximum crispness before serving.
How to Serve Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning all on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate your presentation beautifully. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint on the side can add a fresh contrast and pop of color.
Side Dishes
Palmiers Cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of dessert wine. For a special occasion, serve alongside fruit compotes or a creamy vanilla custard for dipping to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Palmiers in a jar or a decorative tin as a gift for friends and family. They also look lovely placed upright in a glass or on skewers as part of a dessert platter. Serving them with complementary dips like chocolate ganache transforms these classic treats into a sophisticated party hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead option for gatherings or just for satisfying your sweet cravings throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, Palmiers freeze very well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To restore their crispness, pop the Palmiers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soft and lose their delicate texture. Warmed this way, they taste almost as good as fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Palmiers Cookies from scratch without store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry saves time, you can make your own dough if you enjoy a bit of extra kitchen adventure. Just be mindful that homemade puff pastry is more time-consuming but offers a wonderful, fresh buttery flavor.
What variations can I try with this Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe?
You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon, cocoa powder mixed with sugar, or even finely chopped nuts before folding for creative twists. Some people enjoy dipping them in chocolate or adding a hint of vanilla extract to the sugar mix for extra flavor.
How do I know when the Palmiers are done baking?
Look for a deep golden color and caramelization on the bottoms as your primary cue. After flipping, the tops will also develop a rich golden hue. They will feel firm and crisp once fully baked.
Can Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe be made gluten-free?
If you can find high-quality gluten-free puff pastry, yes! This allows you to enjoy the same flaky texture without gluten. Just check the packaging carefully and follow thawing instructions.
Why do my Palmiers sometimes spread too much during baking?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if you slice the pieces too thin. Make sure to keep your pastry chilled until right before slicing and handle gently. Also, leaving enough space between cookies on the sheet helps them maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a batch of Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe in your own kitchen. The simple ingredients come together to create a treat that’s both elegant and comforting, with layers of crisp, caramelized goodness. Whether you’re baking for company or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and smiles. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites for years to come!
Print
Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40-45 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Palmiers cookies, also known as Elephant Ears, are delightful French pastries made from buttery puff pastry and sugar. These crispy, caramelized treats are easy to prepare and perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets of storebought puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions)
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- Parchment paper to line the cookie sheet
Instructions
- Mix: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) placing the rack in the center position. Combine the sugar and salt in a bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of this sugar mixture onto a clean, flat, large wooden cutting board or surface to coat it evenly.
- Roll: Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sugar mixture evenly over the top of the pastry sheet. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry to approximately a 13-inch square, pressing the sugar into the dough to ensure it adheres well.
- Fold: Fold two opposite sides of the pastry sheet inward so they meet in the center. Then fold it again in the same manner to create a thick pastry log resembling a closed book, resulting in 8 layers of pastry.
- Cut: Using a sharp knife, slice the folded pastry log into pieces just under 1/2-inch thick. Arrange the slices on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each. Repeat this process with the second sheet of puff pastry.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, checking at 6 minutes to catch when the bottoms turn golden brown and caramelized. Carefully flip each cookie over, reshape if needed, and bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the other side is golden brown. Remove cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- The puff pastry must be fully thawed before use for easier handling and proper baking.
- Keep an eye on the cookies during baking to avoid burning the sugar; timing may vary based on oven strength.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- You can store baked palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
