If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends (or just treat yourself) with a delicate yet decadently crisp treat, this Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These classic French-inspired cookies have that magical combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry wrapped in caramelized sugar, which crisps up like a dream in the oven. The sophisticated shape that resembles elephant ears or butterfly wings adds a delightful charm to these melt-in-your-mouth morsels. Whether you’re serving them for tea time, a special occasion, or simply craving a light sweet snack, this recipe brings elegance and ease together in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet absolutely essential, working together to deliver that signature flaky texture and perfectly sweet crunch.
- Granulated sugar: The key to that irresistible caramelized crust on every bite, adding sweetness and crunch.
- Store-bought puff pastry (1 lb, thawed): This is the star of the show, offering buttery layers and effortless flakiness without the fuss of making it from scratch.
- Fine sea salt (1/8 tsp): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the pastry’s flavor.
- Parchment paper: Essential for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a snap.
How to Make Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry
Start by thawing your puff pastry sheets as per the package’s instructions—usually just letting them soften slightly at room temperature so they’re workable but still cool. Then, lightly dust your work surface with sugar and unfold the sheets carefully.
Step 2: Sprinkle Sugar and Salt
Evenly spread a thin layer of granulated sugar directly onto the puff pastry sheets, then sprinkle that tiny pinch of fine sea salt across the sugar. This sets the stage for the sweet-salty balance and starts the caramelization process.
Step 3: Fold the Pastry
Here’s where the magic happens: fold both long sides of the pastry in toward the center so they meet perfectly in the middle. Then fold the entire pastry in half so the two folds meet and press down gently. This creates the famous “elephant ear” layers.
Step 4: Slice and Shape
Use a sharp knife to cut the folded pastry into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Each slice will become an individual Palmer cookie. To keep them crisp and evenly shaped, place the slices cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room between each cookie.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Palmiers at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown and caramelized. Keep a close eye because they can go from perfect to burnt quickly—this is what gives them their signature crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your Palmiers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up for that ideal crisp bite you’re craving. Now, it’s time to savor every buttery, sugary, flaky morsel!
How to Serve Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While Palmiers are stunning all on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add a touch of elegance and flavor contrast. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed pistachios or finely chopped toasted almonds over the tops just after baking.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic as a light accompaniment to your favorite cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or a small serving of crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese for a sophisticated dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging Palmiers on a decorative platter in a fan shape to highlight their unique shape. Alternatively, sandwich two together with a layer of Nutella, fruit jam, or lemon curd in-between for an indulgent twist that will wow your guests at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Palmiers have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat if you love to nibble on sweets throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Palmiers by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your Palmiers warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 3–5 minutes. This refreshes their crispiness without drying them out—perfect if they’ve softened slightly in storage.
FAQs
What makes Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies so crispy?
The layers of buttery puff pastry combined with caramelized sugar create a delicate, crisp texture. The high-temperature baking quickly caramelizes the sugar, giving Palmiers their iconic crunch.
Can I make Palmiers from scratch without store-bought puff pastry?
While you can make puff pastry from scratch, it’s a labor-intensive process. For most home bakers, store-bought puff pastry delivers consistent, flaky results with minimal effort, perfect for this Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies Recipe.
Is it possible to add flavors or spices to Palmiers?
Absolutely! Cinnamon, vanilla sugar, or even a pinch of cardamom can be sprinkled with the sugar for a flavorful twist. Just make sure the additions complement the sweet, buttery flavor without overpowering it.
Why do my Palmiers sometimes get soggy?
This usually happens if the cookies are stored in a humid environment or in a sealed container without cooling properly. Always cool Palmiers completely on a wire rack before storing to maintain that irresistible crispiness.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Brown sugar can work, but it may produce a softer, chewier texture and a deeper caramel flavor. For the classic crisp and golden finish, granulated sugar is your best bet in this Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies Recipe—it’s the perfect blend of elegance, simplicity, and irresistible flavor all in one bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies bring joy to the table and are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, give the recipe a try and watch these delicate, golden beauties steal the show at your next gathering.
Print
Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40-45 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Palmiers, also known as Elephant Ears, are delicate, crispy, and buttery French pastries made from puff pastry and sugar. These sweet, caramelized treats are simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and resulting in a delightful crispy texture perfect for teatime or dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets of store-bought puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions)
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- Parchment paper to line the cookie sheet
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace. Lightly dust your clean working surface with a bit of granulated sugar to prevent sticking and to add extra caramelization to the palmiers.
- Roll out the puff pastry. Unfold and gently roll each sheet of thawed puff pastry to smooth out any creases, ensuring it’s an even thickness.
- Sprinkle sugar and salt. Evenly sprinkle half of the sugar and the fine sea salt on the puff pastry surface. Use a rolling pin lightly to press the sugar into the dough for better adherence.
- Fold the pastry. Starting from one long edge, fold the dough inward to the center, then fold the opposite edge inward so both folds meet in the middle. Finally, fold one side over the other like closing a book, creating a long, narrow strip with layered sugar inside.
- Chill the dough. Wrap the folded dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to solidify the folds and make slicing easier.
- Slice the pastry. Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled dough into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices to form the palmiers’ distinctive butterfly shape.
- Prepare for baking. Place the sliced palmiers flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the palmiers. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the palmiers for 10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, then flip them to the other side and bake for an additional 5 minutes for even crispness.
- Cool and serve. Remove the palmiers from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Notes
- Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before using to avoid cracking while rolling.
- Using a sharp knife is crucial to get clean edges in each palmier slice.
- Keep the folded dough chilled before slicing to maintain shape during cutting.
- Palmiers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days to retain crispness.
- You may sprinkle cinnamon or use brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
