How to Bake Perfectly Crispy Palmiers with Cinnamon Sugar

Baking perfectly crispy palmiers with cinnamon sugar is a delightful way to indulge in a sweet treat that’s both impressive and simple to make. With just a few ingredients and some careful attention to technique, you can create these elegant pastries that are sure to impress family and friends.

Palmiers, also known as elephant ears, are made from puff pastry, which provides their unique flaky texture. When you add a dusting of cinnamon sugar, they become an irresistible snack or dessert. Follow these easy steps for baking palmiers that are guaranteed to be crispy and delicious.

Ingredients

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Flour (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry

On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to approximately ¼ inch thick. Make sure the dough remains cold to ensure the layers stay separate, leading to a crispy final product.

2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.

3. Add the Cinnamon Sugar to the Pastry

Sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolled-out puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to gently press the sugar into the dough, ensuring it adheres well.

4. Fold the Dough

Start folding the dough from both long edges towards the center, meeting in the middle. Then, fold the dough in half again to create a thicker roll. This method helps create the iconic palmier shape.

5. Chill the Dough

Wrap the folded dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help maintain its shape and make it easier to slice into even pieces.

6. Slice the Palmiers

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into ¼ inch thick pieces. You should see the beautiful swirl of cinnamon sugar in each piece.

7. Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sliced palmiers on the baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between them to expand as they bake. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg to create a golden finish.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake the palmiers in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown, turning them halfway through for even baking. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary based on your oven.

9. Cool and Serve

Once they are baked to a perfect golden brown, remove the palmiers from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Final Tips for Crispy Palmiers

For the crispiest palmiers, ensure the puff pastry is kept cold throughout the preparation. Using a high-quality puff pastry will also make a difference in texture and flavor. Experiment with the amount of cinnamon sugar for a taste that suits your preference. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a hint of nutmeg or other spices to the sugar mixture for a unique twist.

Baking palmiers with cinnamon sugar is a simple yet elegant way to treat yourself or guests. With these tips, you're sure to achieve perfectly crispy palmiers every time!