French Palmiers

Elegant and buttery, French Palmiers are a two-ingredient wonder that transform simple puff pastry and sugar into crisp, golden cookies that look like they came straight from a French patisserie. These delicate treats are flaky, sweet, and perfect for pairing with your afternoon tea—or satisfying a spontaneous sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only two ingredients: Puff pastry and sugar are all you need.

• Quick baking time: Ready in under 30 minutes.

• Beautiful presentation: Each cookie looks fancy with minimal effort.

• Versatile: Can be sweet or savory with easy ingredient swaps.

• Perfect for holidays or everyday treats: Makes an impressive edible gift or snack.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 puff pastry sheet (store-bought or homemade, chilled)

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Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.

2. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Generously sprinkle sugar over the entire surface and press it in using a rolling pin.

3. Fold the two long edges of the dough inward to meet at the center. Fold each side inward again until they meet in the middle. Then, fold one half over the other, forming a compact log.

4. Slice the log into ¼-inch thick cookies.

5. Place the cookies cut-side up on a baking sheet, leaving space for them to expand.

6. Bake for 6 minutes, flip each cookie, then bake for another 5 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

7. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

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Servings and Timing

Servings: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

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Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix in 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with the sugar before sprinkling.

• Dried Fruit: Add ½ cup finely chopped currants, cranberries, or dates between folds.

• Savory Version: Skip the sugar and use pesto, tapenade, or poppy seed filling.

• Baklava-Inspired: Add chopped pistachios and drizzle honey before baking.

• Holiday Touch: Sprinkle red or green colored sugar for festive flair.

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Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store cooled palmiers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.

• Freezing (Unbaked): Arrange raw, cut cookies on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or container. Bake directly from frozen at 450°F for 7 minutes per side.

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FAQs

What is a palmier?

A palmier is a French puff pastry cookie shaped like a palm leaf or heart, made simply with sugar and pastry dough.

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, just let it thaw for about 30 minutes before using—cold but pliable is ideal.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

Not necessary. You can use parchment paper, but it’s optional.

Why do I need to flip the cookies during baking?

Flipping helps both sides caramelize evenly and achieve that signature crunch.

Can I use regular granulated sugar?

Yes, but coarse sugar like demerara gives a better texture and crunch.

How do I keep the cookies from unrolling in the oven?

Make sure the folds are tight and the dough is cold before cutting and baking.

Do I have to bake them right away?

Yes. Warm dough can cause the butter to melt too soon, ruining the layers.

Can I make savory versions?

Absolutely—omit sugar and fill with cheese, herbs, or savory spreads.

Can I use gluten-free puff pastry?

Yes, just be gentle when folding as GF dough tends to be more fragile.

How can I make them more festive?

Use colored sugars or fill them with flavored sugar mixtures for a seasonal twist.

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Conclusion

With their delicate crunch and caramelized sugar coating, French Palmiers are the definition of simple elegance. Whether you’re making a quick batch for a tea party or freezing some for later indulgence, these cookies deliver bakery-level quality in just minutes. Once you try them, you’ll never look at puff pastry the same way again.