Breads & Pastries

Palmiers (Elephant Ears)

Name: Palmiers (Elephant Ears)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet (from a 17.3-ounce package, thawed) Puff Pastry; 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 pinch (optional) Salt

35 min4 servingsEasy350 cal

Palmiers are delightful French pastries made from puff pastry, rolled with sugar and baked until caramelized and crispy. Their distinctive heart-like or "palm leaf" shape makes them as charming to look at as they are delicious to eat, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and delicate crunch. Palmiers, also known as Coeur de France (French hearts) or Elephant Ears, originated in France in the early 20th century. They are a classic example of simple ingredients transformed into an elegant treat through clever technique, showcasing the versatility of puff pastry. Often found in French bakeries, they are cherished for their delicate crispness and sweet, caramelized crust, making them a beloved accompaniment to coffee or tea.

snackdessertFrenchpastryeasy bake

Ingredients

1 sheet (from a 17.3-ounce package, thawed) Puff Pastry
0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
1 pinch (optional) Salt

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly sugared surface. Sprinkle half of the granulated sugar evenly over the entire surface of the pastry.
3
Using a rolling pin, gently press the sugar into the pastry. Flip the pastry over and sprinkle the remaining sugar on the other side, pressing it in as well.
4
Fold the two shorter sides of the pastry towards the center, meeting in the middle. Then, fold each half again towards the center seam, creating four layers on each side.
5
Fold the entire pastry in half along the center seam, creating a compact log with many layers.
6
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick pieces. Place the cut palmiers, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each to allow for expansion.
7
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and caramelized. Carefully flip each palmier and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown and crispy.
8
Remove from the oven and immediately transfer the palmiers to a wire rack to cool completely. The sugar will crisp up beautifully as they cool.

Chef's Tips

•**Storage**: Store cooled palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For best crispness, enjoy them the day they are baked.
•**Substitution**: Experiment with flavors by adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a scraping of vanilla bean seeds to the sugar before rolling for a spiced or aromatic twist. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
•**Crispiness Tip**: For extra crispiness, ensure the sugar is well-pressed into the dough before rolling. This helps create that delightful caramelized crunch.
•**Fun Fact**: The name "Palmier" translates to "palm tree" in French, referring to their distinctive shape which resembles a palm leaf or a heart, depending on your perspective.