These buttery, flaky French Palmiers: Crispy Caramelized Puff Pastry Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Palmiers are delicate, flaky French cookies known for their buttery layers and caramelized sugar crust. Surprisingly simple to make, these elegant treats boast a crisp texture and sweet, golden finish perfect for any dessert table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sheets puff pastry, defrosted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Combine the sugar and kosher salt in a bowl. Pour 1 cup of this mixture onto a flat work surface.
3. Step 3: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto the sugar, then pour ½ cup of the sugar mixture evenly over the top of the pastry. Make sure to cover the surface evenly rather than just sprinkling sugar.
4. Step 4: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 13-by-13-inch square, pressing the sugar into both sides of the puff pastry.
5. Step 5: Fold each side of the square inward halfway toward the center.
6. Step 6: Fold each side inward again so the two folds meet precisely in the middle of the dough.
7. Step 7: Fold one half of the dough over the other half like closing a book, creating six layers.
8. Step 8: Slice the folded dough into 3/8-inch thick slices and place them cut side up on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
9. Step 9: Repeat steps 3 to 8 with the second sheet of puff pastry.
10. Step 10: Bake the cookies for 6 minutes until caramelized and brown on the bottom. Flip them with a spatula and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes until caramelized on the other side.
11. Step 11: Transfer the palmiers to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, brush the puff pastry lightly with melted butter before adding the sugar.
• Try adding ground cinnamon or finely chopped nuts to the sugar mixture for a spiced or nutty twist.
• Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the dough cleanly without squashing the layers.
• Chill the sliced cookies briefly before baking to help them hold their shape better.

Storage

Store baked palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispness. If they lose crunch, reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for palmiers?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and may add extra flakiness. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and rolled out evenly before adding sugar.

How do I prevent the sugar from burning?

Keeping a close eye on the cookies during baking is key. Bake at high heat for a short time and flip them halfway to ensure even caramelization without burning.

These buttery, flaky French Palmiers: Crispy Caramelized Puff Pastry Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 73 reviews

Palmiers are classic French cookies made from flaky, buttery puff pastry caramelized with sugar. These delicate, crispy golden cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, and are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and simple steps.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 42 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sheets puff pastry, defrosted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for quick caramelization of the sugar on the cookies.
2. Prepare Sugar Mixture: Combine the sugar and kosher salt in a bowl to create a sweet, lightly salty mixture that will add flavor and help caramelize the puff pastry. Pour 1 cup of this mixture onto a flat work surface.
3. Roll Out First Puff Pastry Sheet: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto the sugar on the work surface. Then, pour half a cup of the sugar/salt mixture evenly over the top of the pastry. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough until it is a 13 by 13-inch square, pressing the sugar into the pastry on both sides.
4. Fold the Pastry: Fold the sides of the square dough toward the center so each side reaches halfway to the middle line. Fold these two folded sides again so they meet exactly in the center, creating layers. Finally, fold one half over the other like closing a book, resulting in six layered dough.
5. Slice the Dough: Cut the folded dough into slices approximately 3/8-inch thick. Place each slice cut-side up on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
6. Repeat with Second Sheet: Repeat the rolling, folding, and slicing process with the second sheet of puff pastry, arranging the slices on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake Palmiers: Bake the cookies for 6 minutes until the bottoms are caramelized and brown. Using a spatula, carefully turn each cookie and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to caramelize the other side.
8. Cool the Cookies: Transfer the baked palmiers to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely to achieve optimal crispiness before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled but pliable to prevent tearing while rolling.
• Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Watch the palmiers carefully while baking to avoid burning due to the high oven temperature.
• For variation, sprinkle cinnamon with the sugar mixture for a flavorful twist.
• Store baked palmiers in an airtight container to keep them crisp.

Keywords: Palmiers recipe, French cookies, puff pastry cookies, caramelized sugar cookies, easy dessert