Light, flaky Cinnamon Palmiers are the perfect addition to any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself. These French cookies combine the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a crispy texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for afternoon tea, festive occasions, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these pastries are both easy to make and impressively elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can whip up these treats in no time.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to fancy dessert tables.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, inviting taste that everyone will love.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends, making them great for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes all the difference when creating delicious Cinnamon Palmiers. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Essential for flattening the puff pastry evenly and incorporating the cinnamon sugar.
- Baking tray: A sturdy surface for baking your palmiers, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Ingredients
To create these delectable Cinnamon Palmiers, gather the following ingredients:
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (24cm/10-inch square).
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/3 cup sugar.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
How to Make Cinnamon Palmiers
Step 1: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Sprinkle Sugar on Pastry
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar on one side of the puff pastry, spreading it evenly.
Step 3: Roll the Pastry
Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the pastry to press the sugar into it. Flip it over and repeat this process on the other side with more sugar.
Step 4: Fold Edges
Fold the long edges of the pastry halfway toward the center. Roll gently to flatten it further.
Step 5: Create Layers
Fold both edges together to meet in the middle. Sprinkle half of the remaining sugar over this fold and roll again.
Step 6: Chill Dough
Wrap the rolled pastry in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while waiting for your dough to chill.
Step 8: Cut Strips
Remove chilled pastry from fridge. Cut it into 1cm strips using a sharp knife.
Step 9: Dip Edges
Dip each cut edge into the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 10: Arrange on Baking Tray
Place strips on a lined baking tray, allowing enough space (about 2 inches apart) for them to expand while baking.
Step 11: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 14 minutes until caramelized.
Step 12: Flip & Finish Baking
Carefully flip each strip over and bake for an additional 4 minutes until golden brown.
Step 13: Cool Down
Transfer cooled pastries onto a rack lined with parchment paper before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Palmiers!
How to Serve Cinnamon Palmiers
Cinnamon Palmiers are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a snack, here are some suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pairing with a hot beverage like coffee or tea enhances the cinnamon flavor and creates a cozy atmosphere.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange Cinnamon Palmiers on a dessert platter alongside other sweets for an eye-catching display at parties or gatherings.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve with fresh fruit slices like strawberries or oranges to add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, flaky pastries.
As Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy warm Cinnamon Palmiers with a side of yogurt for a sweet twist on breakfast.
Topped with Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent treat that elevates these cookies to a new level.
Dusted with More Cinnamon Sugar
- For extra sweetness, dust finished palmiers with additional cinnamon sugar before serving.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Palmiers
Creating the perfect Cinnamon Palmiers requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
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Use cold puff pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is well-chilled before starting. This helps create crisp layers during baking.
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Even sugar distribution: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the pastry. This ensures every bite is filled with flavor.
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Roll gently: When rolling the pastry, apply gentle pressure. This prevents tearing and maintains the integrity of the layers.
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Chill between steps: If your dough becomes too warm while working, chill it briefly in the refrigerator. This keeps it manageable and flaky.
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Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on the palmiers as they bake. Oven temperatures may vary, so adjust baking time if necessary.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Palmiers
Cinnamon Palmiers can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here’s a list of perfect pairings:
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and balances the sweetness.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy palmiers.
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Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate for dipping provides an indulgent pairing that will delight any chocolate lover.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a rich contrast to the flaky texture of the palmiers.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory option that complements sweet flavors.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds richness and pairs wonderfully with cinnamon notes.
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Fruit Compote: Serve with homemade fruit compote for added sweetness and moisture that enhances each bite.
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Chai Latte: This spiced drink pairs well with cinnamon flavors and makes for a comforting combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cinnamon Palmiers can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overworking the pastry: Handling the puff pastry too much can make it tough. Keep it cool and only roll it out as needed.
- Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the pastry before cutting can lead to flattening during baking. Always refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Skipping the sugar on both sides: Forgetting to sprinkle sugar on both sides of the pastry results in less flavor. Be generous with the cinnamon sugar on each side.
- Cutting uneven strips: Cutting strips that are not uniform can lead to uneven baking. Use a sharp knife and aim for consistent widths of about 1cm.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause palmiers to burn or underbake. Preheat the oven correctly to ensure even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Cinnamon Palmiers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cinnamon Palmiers
- Wrap individual palmiers in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cinnamon Palmiers
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm and crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious, as this may soften them.
- Stovetop: Place them in a pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through while maintaining their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Cinnamon Palmiers.
How do I make Cinnamon Palmiers from scratch?
To make Cinnamon Palmiers from scratch, you need puff pastry, sugar, and cinnamon. Follow the mixing and rolling steps carefully for best results.
Can I use different spices in my palmiers?
Absolutely! While cinnamon is traditional, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
What should I serve with Cinnamon Palmiers?
Cinnamon Palmiers pair well with coffee or tea. They also make a great dessert alongside ice cream or fresh fruit.
Are these palmiers suitable for special diets?
Cinnamon Palmiers contain gluten due to puff pastry, so they are not suitable for gluten-free diets unless you use gluten-free pastry options.
How long do homemade palmiers last?
When stored properly, homemade Cinnamon Palmiers last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Palmiers are a delightful treat that combines flakiness with sweet cinnamon flavor. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or a fancy dessert. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or different spices for your own twist!
Cinnamon Palmiers
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Cinnamon Palmiers, a classic French pastry that brings together the warm sweetness of cinnamon and sugar with a perfectly flaky texture. These charming cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—be it an afternoon tea, festive gathering, or a simple snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your friends and family with these elegant pastries that melt in your mouth. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy moment.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (24cm/10-inch square)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the mixture on one side of the puff pastry; roll to press in. Repeat on the other side.
- Fold edges toward center, then fold again to meet in the middle; sprinkle remaining sugar over this fold and roll gently.
- Chill dough for 15 minutes, then preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut into 1cm strips, dip edges in sugar, and arrange on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for about 14 minutes until caramelized; flip and bake for another 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 palmier (12g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
