Indulge in the flaky, buttery goodness of homemade Palmiers, also known as Elephant Ears. This classic French pastry is made with just a few simple ingredients like puff pastry, sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. With its perfectly crisp texture and caramelized sweetness, Palmiers are ideal for any occasion – from an afternoon snack to an elegant dessert. Learn how to make these easy and delicious sweet pastries at home in just a few steps, and discover variations to elevate your treats. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees golden, crispy bites every time!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 sheets of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry (thawed)
- A pinch of kosher salt (optional)
What You Will Need:
- Parchment paper to line the cookie sheet
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and kosher salt (if using). Pour about 1/2 cup of the sugar mixture onto a clean flat surface, like a large wooden board or countertop.
- Place one sheet of puff pastry onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sugar mixture over the top of the pastry.
- Use a rolling pin to roll out the pastry into a 13-inch square, pressing the sugar into the dough as you go.
- Fold the two opposite sides of the pastry inwards towards the center, then fold again to close like a book. You should have 8 layers of folded pastry.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into pieces just under 1/2-inch thick. Arrange the pieces on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
- Bake the palmiers in the preheated oven for 6 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and caramelized. Flip the cookies over and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes, until golden brown on the other side.
- Remove the palmiers from the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely.
Tips:
- Be careful not to overroll the pastry; it should be firm but not stretched too thin.
- If you have leftover sugar mixture, you can store it for the next batch or sprinkle it on top of other baked goods.
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using; this will ensure that it puffs up properly while baking.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Chocolate Palmiers: After sprinkling the sugar, you can also add some cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips for a chocolaty twist.
- Cinnamon Palmiers: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a warm spiced flavor.
- Nutty Palmiers: For a crunchy variation, try adding chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts along with the sugar.
FAQs:
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, you can use homemade puff pastry, though store-bought is quicker and easier for this recipe.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the palmiers ahead of time and freeze the uncooked cookies. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
How can I store leftover Palmiers?
Store leftover palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Palmiers as a sweet treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or at a party.
- They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
- For a decadent dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Palmiers (also known as Elephant Ears) are irresistibly crispy, buttery, and perfectly sweet. Their delicate layers of puff pastry melt in your mouth, offering a delightful balance of crunch and caramelized sugar. They’re quick and easy to make, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests, treating yourself, or preparing for a special gathering, these little pastries are sure to impress!
Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Recipe
40 -45
servings15
minutes10
minutesIngredients
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 sheets of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry (thawed)
-
A pinch of kosher salt (optional)
-
What You Will Need:
-
Parchment paper to line the cookie sheet
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and kosher salt (if using). Pour about 1/2 cup of the sugar mixture onto a clean flat surface, like a large wooden board or countertop.
- Place one sheet of puff pastry onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sugar mixture over the top of the pastry.
- Use a rolling pin to roll out the pastry into a 13-inch square, pressing the sugar into the dough as you go.
- Fold the two opposite sides of the pastry inwards towards the center, then fold again to close like a book. You should have 8 layers of folded pastry.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into pieces just under 1/2-inch thick. Arrange the pieces on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
- Bake the palmiers in the preheated oven for 6 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and caramelized. Flip the cookies over and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes, until golden brown on the other side.
- Remove the palmiers from the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely.


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