There's something magically simple about a Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe-the way the dough crisps up into golden, delicate hearts sprinkled with warm cinnamon sugar is absolutely irresistible. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, buttery inside that feels like a little hug. I love making these when I need a quick treat that's fancy enough to share but easy enough to whip up on a whim. Whether it's a cozy morning coffee or unexpected guests dropping by, these palmiers always steal the show.
Jump to:
- The Cozy Reasons You'll Make Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe Again
- Ingredients You'll Actually Use
- How to Make Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe Without Stress
- Little Tricks That Make Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe Better
- Serving Ideas That Look Great
- Storing & Reheating Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe
- Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe FAQs
- You Made It - Now Tell Me!
- Complete Recipe
The Cozy Reasons You'll Make Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe Again
This recipe is a delightful balance of buttery layers and fragrant cinnamon sugar, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. You'll love how fast it comes together-it's perfect for busy days when you want homemade treats without fuss. Plus, it brings that warm spice and crunch to your kitchen, making every bite feel like a little celebration.
- Big flavor, simple steps: Just a few ingredients deliver a rich taste that feels like a bakery classic.
- Comfort-food energy: The scent of cinnamon filling your home instantly boosts warmth and coziness.
- Everyday ingredients: You likely already have sugar, cinnamon, and puff pastry on hand.
- Easy to customize: Add nuts, orange zest, or swap cinnamon for cardamom for a new twist.
Ingredients You'll Actually Use
For this Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe, choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference, but nothing too fancy! Puff pastry forms those signature flaky layers, so grab a good-quality sheet-store-bought is perfectly fine and saves a ton of time. The cinnamon-sugar combination is simple yet essential. Fresh ground cinnamon, when possible, really wakes up the warm aroma. And a light dusting of flour helps keep things from sticking, making assembling a breeze. Feel free to tweak to your liking: swap brown sugar for white for a deeper molasses note, or sprinkle chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: Use frozen, thawed puff pastry (preferably all-butter variety for best buttery flavor). If you're in a pinch, drafts puff pastry works too.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: Ground cinnamon mixed with granulated sugar gives that classic warmth and sweetness. Freshly ground cinnamon amps the flavor beautifully.
- Flour for Dusting: A little all-purpose flour on your surface keeps the dough from sticking, preserving those perfect folds and texture.
- Optional Add-Ins: Try adding finely chopped almonds, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a dash of nutmeg to customize the cozy profile.
Ingredient Note: Exact measurements for Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Make Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe Without Stress
Step 1 - Set Up for Success
Before you dive in, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it's ready when your palmiers are shaped. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper-it not only prevents sticking but helps your palmiers brown evenly. Have your cinnamon sugar mix ready in a shallow bowl for easy sprinkling. I find that lightly dusting the counter with flour gives that gentle resistance the dough needs to roll and fold without tearing, so don't skip this step. If your puff pastry is just thawed, give it a few minutes at room temp to relax-it's easier to work with that way.
Step 2 - Cook Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe Until It Smells Amazing
Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar evenly over your puff pastry, then press it in gently-this helps sugar caramelize beautifully during baking. Flip the dough and repeat with the rest of the cinnamon sugar on the other side, making sure every layer will get that sweet, spiced crunch. Next up: folding. Folding your dough into a tight log helps create those signature palmier curls-take your time and press gently to seal the edges. Slice your log into half-inch rounds and lay them cut-side down on the parchment, giving them a little space because they'll puff and spread. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges start to bubble and the centers turn a gorgeous golden caramel. Flip them halfway if you want extra-even browning; I love the soft sizzle and that smell filling the kitchen at this stage.
Step 3 - Finish Strong
Once baked to a deep golden brown and caramelized all over, remove the palmiers from the oven and let them cool right on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This step firms them up so they hold their delicate shape when you're ready to serve. You'll notice the cinnamon sugar has formed a shiny, crisp crust-that's exactly what you want. If it's your first time making Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe, don't worry if your first batch looks too pale; another 3-5 minutes under the heat usually helps. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze is a nice optional finish, but I love them as-is, fresh from the oven.
Little Tricks That Make Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe Better
Over the years, I've learned a few handy tips that really elevate this recipe and simplify the process. These help you get perfectly crisp, evenly browned palmiers every time without stress.
- Doneness cues: Watch for bubbly sugar edges and a warm golden-brown color-the aroma of caramelizing cinnamon sugar is your best guide.
- Heat control: Start hot at 400°F for crisp layers, but if edges brown too quickly, lower to 375°F and keep a close eye.
- Make-ahead options: Shape and slice the palmiers ahead of time; keep them chilled on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap, then bake fresh.
- Common issues + fixes: If dough feels too sticky, lightly dust with flour; if palmiers spread too thin, slice thicker pieces and chill before baking.
Serving Ideas That Look Great
Finishing Touches
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for a touch of shine and extra sweetness. Sometimes I like to pair them with a smear of whipped cream or fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, which adds a bright contrast to their buttery crunch. For a cozy twist, a small dollop of vanilla yogurt or a side of warm apple compote really complements those cinnamon notes beautifully.
Perfect Pairings
These palmiers are fantastic alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai or coffee. For something a little heartier, try serving them with a fresh green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or alongside roasted squash and maple-glazed nuts for a fall-inspired combo. They also make an elegant companion to breakfast or brunch dishes like savory quiches or scrambled eggs.
Make It Photo-Ready
Stack your palmiers slightly askew on a wooden board, with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar around for texture. A few fresh mint leaves or a thin twist of orange peel add inviting pops of color and height. Don't forget to wipe the edges clean for that polished, bakery-quality presentation-simple touches like these make your homemade palmiers look effortlessly stunning.
Storing & Reheating Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe
Fridge Storage
Placed in an airtight container, these palmiers keep best in the fridge for up to 3 days. While refrigeration can soften that crisp exterior, letting them come to room temperature before serving helps regain some crunch. I usually enjoy mine within the first day for the crispiest bite.
Freezing Tips
Good news: you can freeze unbaked palmiers! Slice your folded dough log, arrange the slices on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it so easy to have fresh palmiers anytime you want.
Reheating Without Drying Out
To revive stored palmiers, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This warms them up evenly and re-crisps the sugar layers beautifully. Avoid the microwave if you can-while faster, it tends to make these treats chewy rather than crunchy.
Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe FAQs
Traditional palmiers rely on puff pastry made with wheat flour, so for gluten-free options, you'll need a specially made gluten-free puff pastry dough available at some specialty stores or homemade versions. Keep in mind, texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is key along with lightly dusting your surface and rolling pin with flour. Also, gently pressing the sugar into the dough helps it caramelize without sticking excessively.
Absolutely! You can mix in cardamom, nutmeg, or even cocoa powder with the sugar. For a nutty twist, add finely chopped toasted nuts. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combo.
Aim for about half an inch thick slices. Thinner slices risk burning or breaking apart, while thicker ones might need a longer bake time but have a beautiful, soft interior.
You Made It - Now Tell Me!
I can't wait to hear how your Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe turned out! Did you stick to classic cinnamon sugar, or try a fun twist with nuts or spices? Drop a comment below, share your photos, and don't forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it. Pin this for later so you always have a quick, crowd-pleasing treat ready to go. Baking these palmiers feels like a little joyful ritual, and I'm so happy to share it with you!
PrintComplete Recipe
Cinnamon Palmiers with Puff Pastry Recipe
Crispy Cinnamon Palmiers are a delightful and easy-to-make pastry treat featuring flaky puff pastry coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. These golden, caramelized curls are perfect for a satisfying snack or a charming addition to any dessert table, combining crispiness with a warm cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 23 Minutes
- Total Time: 38 Minutes
- Yield: 12-15 palmiers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (approximately 24cm/10-inch square)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Flour, for dusting
- Parchment paper, for lining baking sheet
Instructions
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: Combine ⅓ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined and uniform.
- Prepare Work Surface: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and lay it flat on the surface, ensuring the flour dusting is even to prevent sticking.
- Coat Puff Pastry: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over one side of the puff pastry. Gently press it into the dough to adhere. Carefully flip the pastry and repeat with the remaining cinnamon sugar on the other side.
- Fold Pastry: Fold the top edge of the pastry towards the center, then fold the bottom edge to meet the center as well. Fold from the top again to meet the bottom folded edge, and finally fold the entire piece in half, forming a long, narrow rectangle. Press gently to seal the folds securely.
- Slice Pastry: Using a sharp knife, slice the folded pastry into approximately ½-inch thick rounds. Place each cut slice cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between palmiers. Gently flatten each slice slightly to help them bake evenly.
- Bake Palmiers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the palmiers for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Flip them carefully if needed and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes so both sides become deeply golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the palmiers to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve fresh for best crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed for easy handling and best texture.
- Slicing the pastry log evenly is key to uniform baking.
- Flipping the palmiers during baking helps achieve crispness on both sides.
- Store leftover palmiers in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- These palmiers are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in the oven before serving.
Leave a Reply