3-Ingredients Puff Pastry Palmiers (Easy Prussians)

When it comes to effortless elegance, few snacks can beat Puff Pastry Palmiers. These crispy, golden treats, perfectly sweet and light, are not only super easy to make but also have a lot of flavor.

With just a handful of ingredients, these bite-sized wonders go from basic to extraordinary in minutes, making them ideal for any occasion.

What Are Puff Pastry Palmiers?

Originating from France, Palmiers, also known as "elephant ears", are a beloved pastry with a crispy, caramelized exterior and a delicate, buttery inside. The dough, a star ingredient in many French desserts, puffs up as it bakes, creating layers of irresistible crunch. These little “fans” are typically made from puff pastry dough, sugar, and sometimes a pinch of cinnamon, though their simplicity is what makes them so scrumptious. Palmiers have been a popular treat in bakeries and homes alike for centuries, showing just how enduring the classics can be.

Did you know? The term “palmier” comes from the French word for "palm tree," referring to the shape of these delicate pastries. Historically, puff pastry was first developed by accident in France by a pastry chef who was trying to create a layered dough for a cake.

Pro Tips for the Best Puff Pastry Palmiers

• If you're using store-bought puff pastry, ensure it’s cold before working with it. Cold dough puffs better during baking and creates those crisp, flaky layers.
• Make sure to sprinkle sugar evenly over the dough to get that perfect, golden-brown finish on every bite.
• When rolling up the dough from both ends, aim for tight, uniform rolls. This ensures that the palmiers bake evenly and hold their shape.
• While sugar is traditional, feel free to get creative. Try adding cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even a light dusting of grated cheese for a savory twist.
• When cutting the rolled pastry into slices, use a sharp knife to prevent squashing the dough and maintain those delicate layers.
• When placing the palmiers on the baking tray, leave space between them so they can expand and crisp up nicely.

How Can I Make These Palmiers More Flavorful?

To add more flavor, sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of vanilla over the sugar before rolling up the dough. You can also brush them with melted butter before baking for an extra rich taste.

Can I Add a Savory Filling to These Palmiers?

Definitely! These palmiers work well with savory fillings like grated cheese, herbs, or even tapenade. The sweet and savory combo can be a real crowd-pleaser.

How Do I Get the Perfect Golden-Brown Color on my Palmiers?

Make sure the oven is preheated and don’t skip brushing them with sugar water before baking. This helps them caramelize beautifully for that irresistible golden hue.

How Long do These Puff Pastry Palmiers Last?

These palmiers are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can last for a couple of days at room temperature. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.

What’s The Best Way to Serve Puff Pastry Palmiers?

These little pastries are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light dessert. Serve them at a party, alongside coffee, or as a treat with tea.

Can I Substitute the Sugar in This Recipe?

If you're looking to reduce the sweetness or try something different, you can substitute regular sugar with brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a slight caramel-like flavor.

How to Make Puff Pastry Palmiers

Step 1: Place and unroll the puff pastry on a flat surface like a cutting board. Brush it lightly with a bit of water to help the sugar stick. Evenly sprinkle sugar over the pastry’s surface. The sugar will create that delicious, crunchy sweetness once baked.

Step 2: Starting from both edges, roll each side toward the center. Make sure to roll tightly for that signature palmier shape.

Step 3: Once the dough is rolled up, slice it into about 1-inch thick pieces and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 5: Then brush this mixture over each palmier slice for a perfect glaze.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 200°C/392°F and bake the palmiers for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Once they’re done, arrange the palmiers on a serving dish and enjoy the crispy, sweet treat you've just made.