Name: Palmier Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: One 8-ounce sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed, but chilled); 1 tablespoon water; ¼ cup granulated white sugar; Extra granulated white sugar, for baking

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Introduction

Palmier cookies are delicate, buttery puff pastry treats with a crisp sugar coating and a delightful caramelized flavor. They are simple to make yet impressively elegant, perfect for serving with tea or coffee. This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry to keep things quick and easy.

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown palmier pastries layered on white parchment paper. Each pastry has many thin, flaky layers, crisp edges, and a heart-like shape with two rounded sides curling inward. The plate is placed on a light blue cloth with a pom-pom trim, all set on a white marbled surface. The pastries show a shiny, slightly caramelized texture with a mix of crisp and soft areas, stacked in a casual, overlapping way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

One 8-ounce sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed, but chilled)
1 tablespoon water
¼ cup granulated white sugar
Additional granulated white sugar for sprinkling before baking

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside. Place a 10×10-inch piece of parchment paper on your work surface.
Step 2: Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the water over the surface of the puff pastry.
Step 3: Sprinkle half of the sugar evenly over the pastry. Lightly press the sugar into the dough using a rolling pin.
Step 4: Fold the left and right sides of the pastry inward so they meet in the center. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the pastry and press it in lightly with the rolling pin.
Step 5: Fold the left and right sides inward again so they meet in the center, then fold the entire pastry in half lengthwise.
Step 6: Wrap the pastry log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃).
Step 8: Remove the pastry log from the fridge and place it on a cutting board. Using a very sharp knife, slice the log into about 20 pieces about ½-inch wide each. Lay the slices flat on the prepared baking tray spaced about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar on each cookie.
Step 9: Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the cookies and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch closely in the last minutes to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

Use chilled, well-thawed puff pastry for the best texture and easier handling.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla sugar to the granulated sugar for a subtle flavor twist.
For extra crispiness, sprinkle the cookies with a little coarse sugar before baking.
Make sure to cut even slices to ensure uniform baking.

Storage

Store palmier cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them crisp. If they soften, you can refresh them by baking at 350℉ (175℃) for 3–5 minutes. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up of five golden brown palmiers, flaky with a slightly glossy surface showing fine layers of puff pastry, lying on a black cooling rack. Each palmier has a symmetrical heart shape with visible sugar crystals sparkling on the crispy edges. The texture is light and airy, with some areas showing a delicate crunch and a warm, buttery coloration. The background is a white marbled texture under the cooling rack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make palmier cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry log, wrap it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This helps manage your prep time efficiently.

What if my puff pastry isn’t thawed properly?

If the puff pastry is too cold and stiff, it may crack when folded. If it’s too warm, the layers may stick together and not puff well. Thaw it in the fridge until just pliable but still cool for best results.