Cinnamon Palmiers

Light, flaky pastry cookies, Cinnamon Palmiers are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With their crispy texture and sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these French pastries can elevate any occasion—from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. They’re not only easy to make but also impressively delicious, making them the perfect addition to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, anyone can whip up these treats in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for tea parties, holiday gatherings, or as an everyday snack.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery puff pastry and warm cinnamon sugar creates an unforgettable taste.
• Impressive Presentation: These pastries look elegant and sophisticated, making them a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different spices or fillings for unique variations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Cinnamon Palmiers, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for flattening the puff pastry evenly, ensuring consistent thickness for perfect baking.
• Baking tray: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your palmiers while allowing air circulation for even cooking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze, allowing your pastries to slide off easily.

Ingredients

Light, flaky pastry cookies coated in cinnamon sugar and baked until golden and crispy. These French treats are surprisingly easy to make.

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (24cm/10-inch square)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Palmiers

Step 1: Mix Cinnamon Sugar

Start by mixing your cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This will be the sweet coating that makes your palmiers irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar on one side of the puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to press the sugar into the pastry evenly.

Step 3: Flip and Repeat

Flip the pastry over and repeat by sprinkling another 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar on this side. Roll it again with the rolling pin to embed the sugar.

Step 4: Fold Edges

Fold each long edge of the pastry halfway toward the center. Then roll from one end to flatten it out slightly.

Step 5: Create Layers

Fold the edges together so they meet in the middle. Sprinkle half of the remaining sugar over this fold before rolling it again to create layers.

Step 6: Chill Pastry

Chill your prepared pastry in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps firm it up for easier cutting.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot when you’re ready to bake.

Step 8: Cut Strips

Slice the chilled pastry into 1cm strips using a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Step 9: Sugar Dip

Dip each cut edge into the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture before placing them on a lined baking tray. Ensure they are spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 14 minutes or until they caramelize beautifully.

Step 11: Flip & Finish Baking

Carefully flip each strip over and bake for an additional 4 minutes until golden brown.

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on a rack lined with parchment paper before serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy Cinnamon Palmiers!

How to Serve Cinnamon Palmiers

Cinnamon Palmiers are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want them as a dessert, snack, or part of a fancy brunch, these pastries are versatile and delicious.

With Coffee

• Pairing with coffee enhances the flavors and provides a lovely contrast. Enjoy them as a perfect afternoon snack.

As a Dessert

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. The warmth of the palmiers complements the cold ice cream beautifully.

At Brunch

• Include Cinnamon Palmiers on your brunch table alongside fresh fruits and pastries. They add a sweet touch to any brunch spread.

With Tea

• These pastries make an excellent accompaniment to tea. Their flaky texture pairs wonderfully with both black and herbal teas.

For Gift Giving

• Pack them in decorative boxes as gifts for friends or family. Their unique shape and flavor make them an impressive homemade gift.

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How to Perfect Cinnamon Palmiers

Creating perfect Cinnamon Palmiers can be made easy with some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use chilled pastry: Keeping the puff pastry cold helps achieve that flaky texture during baking.
• Sprinkle evenly: Ensure the cinnamon sugar is evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout each palmier.
• Roll gently: When rolling out the pastry, apply light pressure to avoid squishing the layers together.
• Chill before cutting: Refrigerating the rolled pastry helps maintain its shape when slicing.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on them while baking to prevent over-browning; golden is perfect!

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Palmiers

Cinnamon Palmiers can be paired with several side dishes to create a more complete meal or snack time experience. Here are some great options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the palmiers.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that complements the rich pastries.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside for a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of palmier into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that will impress guests.
5. Herbal Tea Selection: Serve with various herbal teas which enhance their flavor without overpowering it.
6. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides texture contrast and rounds out the palette when enjoying these treats.
7. Savory Scones: Lightly flavored scones can provide balance, making your serving options more diverse.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Station: Set up toppings with vanilla ice cream for guests to enjoy along with the palmiers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cinnamon Palmiers is simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Using unthawed puff pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using. This helps achieve the desired flaky texture.
• Not rolling enough: Failing to roll the sugar into the pastry can result in less caramelization. Make sure to roll it well on both sides.
• Skipping chilling time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. Chilling allows the layers to solidify, making it easier to cut and handle.
• Cutting too thick: Slice the pastry strips thinly, about 1cm. Thicker strips may not cook evenly and could become gooey.
• Overcrowding the baking tray: Place strips 2 inches apart on the tray. This ensures they bake evenly and don’t stick together.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cinnamon Palmiers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep layers of parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cinnamon Palmiers

• Freeze unbaked or baked Cinnamon Palmiers for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or wrap in plastic wrap and foil for best results.

Reheating Cinnamon Palmiers

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, but this might make them soft.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make vegan Cinnamon Palmiers?

You can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your puff pastry is vegan-friendly.

Can I use homemade puff pastry for Cinnamon Palmiers?

Yes! Homemade puff pastry can provide an even flakier texture than store-bought options.

What variations can I try with my Cinnamon Palmiers?

Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or add chocolate chips for a unique twist.

How long do these cookies last?

Cinnamon Palmiers last about 3 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Are these cookies suitable for special diets?

These cookies are naturally vegetarian, but check ingredients if you have specific dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Palmiers are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with elegance. Their crispy texture and sweet cinnamon flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with various spices or fillings to suit your taste!