Palmiers (Elephant Ears) Recipe

Palmiers, also known as Elephant Ears, are a simple and delicious pastry made from puff pastry and sugar. These crispy, caramelized cookies are easy to make with just a few ingredients and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving with tea, or preparing a sweet snack, this recipe provides a quick and elegant treat. You can also customize palmiers with cinnamon, chocolate, or nuts for a personalized twist. This easy puff pastry dessert is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 sheets of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, thawed
• 1 pinch kosher salt (optional)

What you will need:

• Parchment paper for lining the cookie sheet

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the Sugar: In a bowl, combine the sugar and optional kosher salt. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of this sugar mixture onto a flat surface, such as a large wooden board.
3. Roll the Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of sugar mixture over the top of the pastry.
4. Roll the Pastry: Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry into a square about 13 inches on each side, pressing the sugar into the dough as you roll.
5. Fold the Edges: Fold both opposite edges of the pastry toward the center. Fold again, bringing both edges together, like closing a book. You should have eight layers of pastry.
6. Cut the Palmiers: Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry log into pieces just under 1/2-inch thick. Place each piece onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake: Bake the palmiers in the preheated oven for 6 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and caramelized. Flip each palmier over and bake for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the other side.
8. Cool: Remove the palmiers from the baking sheet and allow them to cool.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just three simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, elegant treat in no time.
• Crispy and Sweet: The caramelized sugar gives these cookies a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Palmiers are ideal for serving at parties, with tea, or as a simple snack.

Tips

• Chill the Dough: If the puff pastry gets too soft while handling, refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to roll and cut.
• Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as the sugar can quickly burn if left too long.
• Even Coating: Ensure the sugar is evenly distributed to achieve consistent caramelization for each palmier.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cinnamon-Sugar Palmiers: Add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar mixture for a warm, spiced version.
• Chocolate Palmiers: Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate over the pastry before folding for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Palmiers: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the sugar mixture for extra flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make palmiers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze palmiers?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked palmiers. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can use a non-stick baking mat or lightly grease your baking sheet.

Serving

Serve palmiers as a delightful treat with afternoon tea or coffee, or place them on a dessert platter at your next gathering.

Suggestions

• Pair with Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote for a balanced dessert.
• Garnish: Top with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.