Looking for a quick and delightful treat that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen? These cinnamon sugar palmiers are exactly what you need. With just a few ingredients, you can create these flaky, crispy pastries that are perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
These palmiers are incredibly versatile; they can be enjoyed with coffee in the morning or as a sweet finish to a meal. The combination of buttery pastry and a dusting of cinnamon sugar creates a taste sensation that’s both sweet and slightly spicy, leaving everyone craving more.
Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers: A Sweet and Crispy Delight
Cinnamon sugar palmiers are a delightful treat that can elevate any snack time or gathering. These pastries, made from puff pastry, are light and airy, with a delightful crunch that complements their tender center. The blend of buttery pastry and the warm embrace of cinnamon sugar creates a flavor profile that is comforting yet sophisticated.
These palmiers are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. They serve beautifully alongside your morning coffee or as an indulgent dessert after a meal. Their elegant appearance and delicious taste make them an enticing option for various occasions.
Creating the Base: Puff Pastry Perfection
The foundation of any great palmier is high-quality puff pastry. When prepared correctly, puff pastry achieves that sought-after flaky texture that is essential for this recipe. You can make your own from scratch, or for convenience, store-bought puff pastry works splendidly.
To prepare the pastry, roll it out into a rectangular sheet. This stage is crucial as the dimensions of the rolled pastry will determine the size and shape of your finished palmiers. Rolling it to about 10×12 inches ensures you have ample space for the cinnamon sugar layering.
A Sprinkle of Sweetness: The Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
The magic of cinnamon sugar lies in its simplicity. A blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon creates a sweet and slightly spicy mixture that is both fragrant and enticing. This combination is what transforms the ordinary puff pastry into something that feels truly special.
Before applying this mixture, brush the surface of the rolled-out pastry with melted butter. This step not only helps the sugar adhere but also adds richness and flavor to the final product. A generous sprinkle of the cinnamon sugar mixture follows, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
The Folding Technique: Shaping Your Palmiers
Once the pastry is layered with cinnamon sugar, the next step involves a bit of folding. Start from each long side of the rectangle and fold towards the center. This technique creates the signature palmier shape, where the ends spiral inwards, resembling butterfly wings.
After meeting in the middle, you’ll fold the entire dough in half, forming a log shape. This layering is essential for achieving that delightful flaky texture. Once wrapped in plastic, refrigerate the log to firm it up, making it easier to slice.
Baking to Golden Perfection
With the dough chilled and ready, it’s time to bring out the oven. Preheating to 400°F (200°C) ensures a quick and even bake. Carefully slice the chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Each slice will unveil the beautiful spiral of cinnamon sugar within.
Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space for them to expand as they bake. The transformation from raw dough to golden-brown pastries occurs in just 12-15 minutes, resulting in a crispy exterior that reveals a tender center.
Cooling and Enjoying: The Final Touch
Once baked, allow the palmiers to cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial, as it helps maintain their crispiness. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, making them a flexible choice for any occasion.
To elevate their presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar can be sprinkled on top just before serving. This adds an elegant touch, making them even more appealing for guests or a cozy coffee date at home.
Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers: A Sweet and Crispy Delight
Cinnamon sugar palmiers are light and airy pastries made from puff pastry, rolled with a generous layer of cinnamon and sugar. The result is a crispy exterior that gives way to a tender center, making them a wonderful accompaniment to any beverage or a delightful standalone snack.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle of about 10×12 inches.
- Add Butter and Sugar: Brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the pastry. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top, pressing it lightly into the dough.
- Fold the Pastry: Starting from each long side, fold the edges towards the center until they meet in the middle. Then, fold the whole dough in half, creating a log shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space for them to expand. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through for even baking.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the palmiers to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 pieces
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
