Easy Palmiers Cookies (Elephant Ears)

Introduction

If you’ve never tried Palmiers cookies—also lovingly called elephant ears—you’re in for a truly delightful treat. These French-inspired cookies are elegant, buttery, and crisp with a beautifully caramelized sugar coating. Best of all? They only need two main ingredients: puff pastry and sugar. Yes, really.

This is the kind of recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a Parisian bakery and have everyone thinking you spent hours perfecting them. I still remember the first time I made these with my niece. We sprinkled sugar everywhere (yes, the counter, the floor, our clothes), laughed through the folds, and ended up devouring them while they were still warm. They’re that irresistible.

Whether you want a simple afternoon sweet or need a last-minute dessert that wows, these Palmiers cookies are a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Ridiculously Easy – You only need puff pastry and sugar. No mixers, no complicated steps.
• Fast Bake Time – They go from freezer to golden and crisp in just 15 minutes.
• Perfect for Beginners – If you’ve never baked from scratch before, this is the recipe to try.
• Fancy but Budget-Friendly – They look elegant but cost next to nothing to make.
• Great for Entertaining – These cookies hold up well and stay crisp, making them perfect for parties or brunch.

Taste & Texture

Palmiers are buttery and light with a delicate crunch on the outside and soft, caramelized layers inside. The sugar melts into the pastry as it bakes, forming that irresistible golden crust. Think of them as a cross between a croissant and a sugar cookie—airy, crispy, and sweet all at once.

Dietary Attributes

These cookies are vegetarian and can easily be made dairy-free by choosing a puff pastry brand without butter. They’re not gluten-free by default, but a gluten-free puff pastry can be swapped in.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 box puff pastry dough, thawed (see notes for brand recommendations)
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or coarse white sparkling sugar (optional but lovely for texture)

Notes on Quality

For the best Palmiers, choose a puff pastry made with real butter. Brands like Dufour Pastry Kitchens offer a rich, flaky texture that melts beautifully when baked. During the holidays, Trader Joe’s often carries an affordable all-butter version. While Pepperidge Farm puff pastry is popular, it’s made with shortening and lacks that buttery depth—still tasty, but not as luxe.

Fresh puff pastry will give you the flakiest results, but frozen works just as well if handled properly. Always thaw according to package instructions—pliable but still cool to the touch is what you want.

Possible Substitutions

• Turbinado Sugar – Adds sparkle and crunch but can be left out or replaced with regular sugar.
• Flavored Sugar – Infuse your sugar with cinnamon, vanilla bean, or orange zest for a flavor twist.
• Dairy-Free Puff Pastry – Many grocery brands offer vegan puff pastry options for plant-based bakers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400ºF. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Sugar Your Surface: Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar on your work surface.
3. Roll and Sugar the Dough: Unfold the thawed puff pastry and lay it on the sugared surface. Sprinkle more sugar over the top of the dough.
4. Divide and Roll: Cut the dough into two equal pieces. Roll one half into a 10″ x 15″ rectangle, about 1/8″ thick.
5. Mark the Center: Fold the dough in half lengthwise to crease the center, then unfold it.
6. Form the Hearts: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar over the dough. Roll each long side inward toward the center until they meet. Gently press the rolled sides together to create a heart-shaped log.
7. Freeze: Place the log on the tray and freeze for 15 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
8. Slice and Sugar: Slice into 1/3″ pieces using a sharp knife. Dip the cut side of each piece into the remaining sugar.
9. Bake: Place cookies cut-side up on the tray, leaving 2 1/2 inches between each. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
10. Watch Closely: Bake for about 13 minutes or until golden. If sugar starts to burn on the bottom, reduce oven to 375ºF and move tray higher.
11. Cool and Crisp: Let them cool completely on the tray. As they cool, they’ll crisp up beautifully.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Always start with cold dough. It’s easier to shape and helps the cookies puff properly.
• Use a ruler or straight edge to help you roll both sides evenly toward the center.
• Don’t skip freezing! This is crucial to prevent spreading and helps them bake evenly.

Common Mistakes

• Using warm dough – It’ll get sticky and collapse during baking.
• Overbaking – Keep a close eye after the 10-minute mark. The sugar can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.
• Crowding the tray – These cookies expand, so leave plenty of space between them.

Time-Saving Tips

• Roll and shape the dough ahead of time, then freeze the log overnight. Just slice and bake the next day.
• Make a double batch and freeze one log for future cookie cravings.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

Palmiers are incredibly versatile. Try them with:

• A cappuccino or espresso for a European-style breakfast
• Vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert twist
• A cheese platter—yes, the sweet/savory combo is incredible!

Presentation Ideas

Dust them with a little powdered sugar before serving for extra elegance. Stack them in a clear glass jar or arrange on a wooden board for a bakery-style vibe.

Beverage Pairings

• Coffee or espresso
• Chai tea latte
• Sparkling wine or a sweet prosecco
• Hot cocoa if you’re serving these during the holidays

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze baked Palmiers—just layer them with parchment and freeze in a sealed container. They’ll keep for about 1 month.

Reheating Methods

To refresh, pop them in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up like magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make these with cinnamon sugar?
Yes! Mix cinnamon into your sugar and sprinkle generously over the dough before rolling. You’ll get something closer to a cinnamon roll vibe.

What if I only have one sheet of puff pastry?
No problem. Just make half the recipe. You’ll get about 20 cookies.

Can I make mini Palmiers?
Absolutely. Just roll the dough thinner and slice the cookies smaller. Watch your bake time—they’ll cook faster.

Troubleshooting

My cookies spread too much—what happened?
Most likely, the dough was too warm. Always chill before slicing and baking.

They’re too chewy, not crisp—how can I fix that?
Pop them back in the oven at 300ºF for a few minutes to dry them out.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free – Use puff pastry made without butter.
• Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free puff pastry, available at most health food stores or online.

Flavor Twists

• Chocolate Drizzle – Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate.
• Spiced Sugar – Add cardamom, pumpkin spice, or ginger to your sugar for a seasonal flair.
• Citrus Zest – Add lemon or orange zest to your sugar for a bright, aromatic finish.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

During the holidays, try:

• Candy Cane Palmiers – Mix crushed candy canes into your sugar for a peppermint crunch.
• Pumpkin Spice Palmiers – Perfect for fall with warm spices and brown sugar.

Conclusion

These Palmiers cookies (elephant ears) are one of the easiest ways to make something that feels elegant and indulgent with almost no effort. With just puff pastry and sugar, you get buttery layers, caramelized crunch, and the kind of cookie that disappears as fast as you set them out.

Let me know in the comments if you try them—I’d love to hear how yours turn out! And if you snapped a picture, tag me on Pinterest so I can see your gorgeous cookies.

Speaking of treats, if you loved these, don’t miss these other quick favorites:

• Dark Chocolate Berry Bark (No-Bake Dessert)
• Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic Knots
• Easy Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Want more ideas like this? Follow along on Pinterest for daily inspiration and crave-worthy recipes!

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