There is something irresistibly charming about the delicate, crispy, and caramelized layers of puff pastry in this Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe. These bite-sized French-inspired treats combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a satisfyingly crunchy texture that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a quick sweet snack or an elegant accompaniment to your afternoon tea, these palmiers bring a cozy, effortless elegance to any occasion. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe, they will become your new go-to for simple yet stunning pastries.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely crucial for creating the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery flakiness in your palmiers. Each component plays a vital role in crafting that iconic crispy and caramelized texture that makes this recipe a standout.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for caramelization, it creates that golden, crunchy exterior that makes palmiers so addictive.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy aroma and flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the overall flavor, cutting through the sweetness and rounding out the taste.
- Frozen puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed): The buttery layers of this pre-made pastry are the foundation, delivering flaky texture with amazing ease.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position an oven rack in the center to ensure even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Blend
Combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir them together until perfectly mixed. This blend will infuse the palmiers with their signature flavor and help create that irresistible caramelized crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture onto a clean, smooth surface. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry and roll it gently into a 9 by 12-inch rectangle. This ensures an even surface to sprinkle and press the cinnamon sugar into.
Step 4: Sprinkle and Press the Cinnamon Sugar
Evenly coat the rolled-out puff pastry with a generous 1/4 cup of the cinnamon sugar mix. Use a rolling pin to gently press the sugar into the dough, which helps it stick and caramelize perfectly during baking.
Step 5: Roll the Pastry into Logs
Starting from both shorter ends, roll each side of the pastry tightly toward the center until they meet in the middle. Press the two rolls firmly together to form a neat log. Repeat this exact process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 6: Chill the Logs
Place the rolled pastry logs on a baking sheet or plate and chill them in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to slice without completely unraveling the beautiful spiral layers.
Step 7: Slice the Palmiers
With a sharp knife, carefully cut the chilled logs into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices cut side up on the prepared baking sheets, leaving around 2 inches between them to allow room for spreading as they bake.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and caramelized. Then, very carefully flip each palmier over and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until both sides are evenly golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the palmiers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Their crispiness will set as they cool, and then they are ready to serve!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe
Garnishes
While these palmiers are stunning as they are, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. You might also consider a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for a contrasting texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful palmiers with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a robust black tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate. They also complement a light fruit salad or fresh berries, adding a bit of buttery crispness alongside fresh sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow guests, arrange the palmiers in a circular pattern on a pretty platter or present them in individual mini dessert cups. You can also stack them with layers of whipped cream and fruit for a playful twist on classic desserts like trifles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their crispiness for about 2 to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over several days.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the cooled palmiers in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back their crisp freshness, reheat the palmiers briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy and lose that perfect crunch.
FAQs
What type of puff pastry is best for this recipe?
Frozen puff pastry sheets work wonderfully for Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe. Look for high-quality, all-butter varieties if possible, as they offer superior flavor and flakiness.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Absolutely! While cinnamon is classic, feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a hint of ginger for a unique twist on this recipe.
Is it necessary to chill the log before slicing?
Chilling the rolled pastry logs firms up the dough, making it much easier to slice cleanly without squashing or distorting the elegant spiral shape.
How do I keep my palmiers crispy?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid humidity. Reheating briefly in the oven also helps restore their crispiness if they start to soften.
Can I make these palmiers gluten-free?
It’s possible if you find gluten-free puff pastry sheets, but keep in mind the texture might differ slightly. Many gluten-free puff pastries don’t achieve the exact same flakiness as traditional butter-based pastry.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe inspires you to whip up these irresistible, bite-sized pastries that bring such joy with simplicity and elegance. Once you taste their warm cinnamon-sugar crunch and buttery layers, you’ll understand why these little delights are truly a treasure in the world of baking. Give them a try soon—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 32 palmiers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Palmiers are elegant, crispy, and buttery French pastries made from puff pastry rolled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. These delightful treats are perfect for an afternoon snack or a fancy tea party, featuring caramelized golden edges and a tender, flaky interior.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pastry
- 1 package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the oven rack in the center position and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mixture until evenly blended and set aside to use as the filling for the pastries.
- Prepare surface and roll pastry: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture on a clean, smooth surface. Unfold one puff pastry sheet onto this surface and gently roll it out with a rolling pin into a 9×12-inch rectangle to ensure even thickness.
- Coat pastry with sugar: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out puff pastry. Then, gently press the sugar mixture onto the dough using the rolling pin to adhere well.
- Roll the pastry into logs: Starting with the shorter sides of the rectangle, tightly roll each side inward toward the center until both rolls meet in the middle. Gently press the two rolls together to form a firm log shape. Repeat this entire process with the second puff pastry sheet and remaining sugar mixture.
- Chill the logs: Transfer the rolled pastry logs onto a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to slice thinly and cleanly.
- Slice into pieces: Using a sharp knife, slice each chilled log into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange these slices cut side up on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) space between each piece to accommodate spreading during baking.
- Bake and flip: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the bottoms are golden and caramelized. Carefully flip each piece over and bake for an additional 5 minutes until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the palmiers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your crispy, flaky palmiers!
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry sheets are thoroughly thawed for easier rolling and precise shaping.
- Chilling the rolled logs is crucial for clean slicing and maintaining the palmier shape.
- Spacing between slices is important as the pastries will spread during baking.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little bit of sugar on top of each piece before baking for added caramelization and crunch.
- Store leftover palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.
