French Palmier Cookies
French Palmier Cookies, also known as elephant ears, are a delightful pastry that perfectly balances a crisp texture with a sweet, caramelized flavor. These cookies are a classic in French patisseries, and the best part? They are incredibly easy to make at home! With only a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these elegant treats that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are enjoying them with a cup of tea, serving them at a gathering, or simply indulging yourself, French Palmier Cookies are sure to impress.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This recipe for French Palmier Cookies is a keeper for many reasons. First, it requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for anyone to try. The use of store-bought puff pastry cuts down on prep time, allowing you to focus on the fun part—baking! The simplicity of the recipe is matched only by the impressive results. These cookies have a sophisticated appearance and a delightful crunch that will make your friends and family think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Gather These Ingredients
To create these delectable French Palmier Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This will give your cookies their sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 sheet puff pastry – Use a good quality, thawed puff pastry for the best results. (See note 1.)
Toolbox for This Recipe
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Baking sheet – A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even baking.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- Rolling pin – A must for rolling out the puff pastry to the right thickness.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – For cutting the puff pastry into strips.
- Cooling rack – To cool your cookies after baking.
French Palmier Cookies: How It’s Done
Making French Palmier Cookies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps for perfect cookies every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by laying out your sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If it’s too cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Step 2: Sprinkle Sugar and Salt
Generously sprinkle half of the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt evenly over the surface of the puff pastry. Use your rolling pin to gently press the sugar into the pastry, ensuring it sticks well.
Step 3: Fold the Pastry
Fold the edges of the pastry inward toward the center—about a third of the way. Then, take the opposite edges and fold them toward the center as well. You should have a long rectangle at this point.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Using your rolling pin, gently roll the pastry into a tighter log. If any sugar falls off, simply sprinkle it back on. Wrap the rolled pastry in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Slice the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the pastry is firm, remove it from the freezer and slice it into ½-inch thick pieces. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will expand.
Step 6: Bake
Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top of the cookies. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Swap Guide
Feel free to customize your French Palmier Cookies with these ingredient swaps:
- Brown sugar – Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Spices – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Chocolate – Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent treat.
- Nutty flavor – Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the sugar for added crunch.
Insider Tips
- For perfectly even cookies, ensure your puff pastry is rolled out to an even thickness.
- Chilling the pastry before slicing makes it easier to cut without squishing the layers.
- Experiment with different sugars! Vanilla sugar or coconut sugar can add unique flavors.
- Watch your cookies closely while baking; they can burn quickly due to the sugar.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you have any leftovers of your French Palmier Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to a week. For meal prep, you can prepare the rolled pastry ahead of time and freeze it. When you’re ready, simply slice and bake as needed!
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry is convenient, homemade puff pastry can elevate the flavor and texture of your French Palmier Cookies. Just ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness.
How can I make these cookies more visually appealing?
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar before baking. This will give them a beautiful sparkle and added crunch!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the puff pastry being too warm. Ensure the pastry is chilled before baking, and consider adjusting the oven temperature slightly if needed.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the rolled and sliced dough in advance, then freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the freezer and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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Make It Tonight
There’s no better time to indulge in the delightful experience of baking than now! Gather your ingredients and tools, follow the steps outlined above, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible French Palmier Cookies. With their crisp, caramelized edges and flaky texture, you’ll find that these cookies are not just a treat, but a delightful celebration of simplicity and flavor. Happy baking!
French Palmier Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lay out your sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If it's too cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle half of the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt evenly over the puff pastry. Press the sugar into the pastry with a rolling pin.
- Fold the edges of the pastry inward toward the center, then fold the opposite edges in as well to create a long rectangle.
- Roll the pastry into a tighter log. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled pastry into ½-inch thick pieces.
- Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top of the cookies and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is rolled to an even thickness.
- Chill pastry before slicing to prevent squishing.
- Experiment with different sugars for unique flavors.
- Watch cookies closely while baking to avoid burning.
