Ready to make something surprisingly easy and incredibly delicious? Let’s dive into creating Palmiers (Elephant Ears), those flaky, caramelized pastries that look fancy but are actually a breeze to make. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a batch of these sweet treats ready to impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Palmiers (Elephant Ears) is special because it’s so simple, yet yields such impressive results. You only need puff pastry and sugar, making it a perfect last-minute dessert option. These homemade palmiers have a delightful crispiness and a rich, buttery, caramelized flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. Plus, the process of making them is quite fun and satisfying, from rolling the dough to watching them puff up beautifully in the oven. Get ready for the best palmiers you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or other spices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface
Lightly sprinkle a clean, flat surface with some of the granulated sugar. This will prevent the puff pastry from sticking and add to the caramelization.
Step 2: Unfold the Puff Pastry
Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the sugared surface. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more sugar underneath.
Step 3: Add Sugar (and Spice!)
Sprinkle half of the remaining granulated sugar evenly over the surface of the puff pastry. If you’re using cinnamon or other spices, sprinkle them over the sugar layer at this stage.
Step 4: Roll One Side
Using a rolling pin, gently roll the sugar and spices into the puff pastry. This helps the sugar adhere and creates a delicious flavor layer.
Step 5: Flip and Repeat
Carefully flip the puff pastry sheet over. Sprinkle the remaining sugar (and spices, if using) over the other side and roll it in with the rolling pin, just as you did before.
Step 6: Fold Towards the Middle – First Side
Now for the signature Palmiers (Elephant Ears) shape! Fold one side of the puff pastry sheet towards the center, making sure the fold reaches halfway.
Step 7: Fold Towards the Middle – Other Side
Repeat the previous step with the other side of the puff pastry, so both sides meet in the middle.
Step 8: Fold Again – One Layer
Fold one layer over the other, so you have one compact roll. This creates the multiple layers that give the Palmiers (Elephant Ears) their flaky texture.
Step 9: Chill the Dough
Wrap the folded dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the butter from melting during baking.
Step 10: Preheat and Prepare for Slicing
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 11: Slice the Palmiers (Elephant Ears)
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
Step 12: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the sliced Palmiers (Elephant Ears) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one as they will spread during baking.
Step 13: Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the Palmiers (Elephant Ears) are golden brown and the sugar has caramelized. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
Step 14: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Palmiers (Elephant Ears) cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These delicate, flaky palmiers make a wonderful addition to any dessert spread. They’re perfect alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance to your afternoon break.
For a more elaborate presentation, arrange them on a pretty platter dusted with a bit of powdered sugar. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent treat.
Palmiers (Elephant Ears) are ideal for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Their simple yet sophisticated appeal makes them a crowd-pleaser every time.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover Palmiers (Elephant Ears) in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as they can lose their crispness over time.
To reheat them, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This will help restore some of their original crispness. You can also briefly microwave them, but be aware that this may make them slightly softer rather than crispy.
Key Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 Palmiers (Elephant Ears)
- Equipment: Rolling pin, sharp knife, baking sheet, parchment paper
Palmiers (Elephant Ears)
Ingredients
- 1 sheet 14.1 oz frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Lightly sprinkle a clean, flat surface with some of the granulated sugar.
- Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the sugared surface.
- Sprinkle half of the remaining granulated sugar evenly over the surface of the puff pastry. If using cinnamon, sprinkle it over the sugar layer.
- Using a rolling pin, gently roll the sugar and spices into the puff pastry.
- Carefully flip the puff pastry sheet over. Sprinkle the remaining sugar (and cinnamon, if using) over the other side and roll it in.
- Fold one side of the puff pastry sheet towards the center, making sure the fold reaches halfway.
- Repeat with the other side, so both sides meet in the middle.
- Fold one layer over the other, so you have one compact roll.
- Wrap the folded dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
- Place the sliced Palmiers (Elephant Ears) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.