How to Make Palmiers – Easy French Pastry Recipe

--- published by foodie Parmod.

Introduction

Palmiers, also known as elephant ears or French hearts, are elegant, crisp pastries made from puff pastry and sugar. Their golden, caramelised layers and delicate crunch make them a favourite treat in French bakeries and homes alike.

Despite their sophisticated appearance, palmiers are one of the easiest pastries you can make. With just two main ingredients and a few simple folds, you can create these buttery, sugary delights at home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make classic French palmiers using British English, with tips for variations and full Google SEO optimisation.

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What Are Palmiers?

Palmiers (pronounced pahl-mee-ay) are made by rolling puff pastry into a distinctive palm leaf or heart shape and baking them with sugar until golden and crisp. Originally from France, they are enjoyed across Europe and are perfect for afternoon tea, parties, or an elegant snack.

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Ingredients

(Makes about 20 palmiers)

1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (approx. 320g)

100g granulated sugar (or caster sugar)

Optional:

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Melted chocolate for dipping

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only two ingredients

Quick to prepare – under 30 minutes

Beautiful golden finish

Crisp, buttery layers

Endlessly adaptable – sweet or savoury options

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Method

1. Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas Mark 6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Sprinkle half the sugar evenly on your work surface.

2. Roll and coat

Unroll the puff pastry onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the top, gently pressing it into the pastry with a rolling pin. This helps the sugar caramelise while baking.

If using cinnamon or salt, sprinkle them over now as well.

3. Fold the pastry

Fold the long sides of the pastry inward toward the centre, so they meet in the middle. Then fold each side again toward the centre. Finally, fold one side over the other, creating a log shape with multiple layers.

Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up – this makes slicing easier.

4. Slice into pieces

Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry log into slices around 1cm thick. You should get approximately 20 slices.

Place each slice cut-side up on the prepared baking tray, leaving space between them as they will expand.

5. Bake until golden

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Flip each palmier halfway through baking to ensure even caramelisation on both sides.

Cool on a wire rack. They will crisp up further as they cool.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with tea or coffee

Dust with icing sugar for an elegant finish

Dip one half in melted dark chocolate

Enjoy with fruit or compote for a simple dessert

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Storage Tips

Store cooled palmiers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Refresh briefly in a warm oven if they lose their crispness.

Baked palmiers can be frozen for up to 1 month – reheat straight from frozen.

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Palmiers Variations

While the classic recipe uses just sugar and puff pastry, you can easily customise your palmiers:

Sweet Ideas:

Add cinnamon, cardamom or orange zest

Use brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavour

Spread with jam or Nutella before folding

Savoury Options:

Grated cheese and mustard

Pesto and parmesan

Tapenade or sun-dried tomato paste

Just remember to reduce sugar or omit it completely for savoury versions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely, but using ready-rolled puff pastry is quicker and still gives excellent results.

Why are they called palmiers?

The name means palm tree in French – the shape resembles a palm leaf or heart.

How do I stop them from unrolling in the oven?

Chilling the shaped pastry before slicing helps keep them tight and uniform.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes – use vegan puff pastry (many supermarket brands are accidentally vegan) and ensure no dairy is added.

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Conclusion

Palmiers are the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create something beautiful and delicious. Light, crisp, buttery and golden, these French pastries are a breeze to make at home with minimal fuss and maximum reward.

Whether you prefer them sweet or savoury, dipped in chocolate or flavoured with spice, palmiers are a versatile treat you’ll love baking again and again.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.