Quick & Easy: Homemade Prussians (Palmiers)

The Prussian, also known as a Schweineohren or Palmier (pronounced as pal-mee-aye), is a delicious and sweet pastry that boasts a heritage as rich as its buttery flakiness, and with just three humble ingredients, you can make it right in your own kitchen. Whether you're hosting a fancy afternoon tea or simply seeking a sweet ending to a weeknight meal, these pastries are guaranteed to impress. Prussians are crafted from a base of puff pastry. Brushed with a fragrant lemon sugar mixture, the puff pastry is then folded and sliced to create the pretty treats. Once baked, they transform into flaky, golden parcels with a caramelized exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth, buttery center. This Prussian recipe is super easy to make and requires only three ingredients. Pre-made puff pastry is your secret weapon, ensuring these treats come together in a flash. The sugar caramelizes during baking, creating that irresistible golden crust. Finally, lemons add a touch of citrus zest that perfectly complements the richness of the pastry. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, it's a recipe that's sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Prussians' History and Origins?

The Prussian, also known as a Palmier or Schweineohren (German for "pig's ear"), might be one of the simplest pastries you'll ever encounter. Made with just three ingredients—puff pastry, sugar, and lemon—it transforms into a treat with a flaky, caramelized exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery center.

Some believe the Prussian originated in Austria during the 17th century. Others point to France as the birthplace, possibly emerging from bakeries looking to utilize leftover puff pastry scraps. Regardless of its origin, the simplicity of the recipe ensured its spread throughout Europe, taking on different names in different regions. The name Prussian likely arose due to the pastry's resemblance to a folded Prussian military hat of the era. In contrast, Palmier is French for "palm tree," referencing the distinctive shape created by the folded dough. Finally, Schweineohren (Pig's Ear) is German and comes from the pastry's resemblance to a pig's ear, though thankfully, the taste is far superior! Prussians are a popular choice for teatime treats, often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Although delicious on their own, Prussians can be dressed up with drizzled chocolate, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. So next time you're looking for a quick and impressive dessert, whip up a batch of Prussians.

Tips

• Puff pastry works best in cold temperatures. Take it out of the freezer 30 minutes before working with it, but don't let it get too soft. A slightly firm dough will be easier to handle and create those beautiful flaky layers.
• If you're short on time, thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can make the dough sticky and difficult to work with.
• Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices through the dough. This will ensure even baking and prevent ragged edges.
• After folding, place the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the butter to firm up again, resulting in those gorgeous flaky layers during baking.
• Prussians puff up significantly during baking. Leave enough space between them on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
• Keep an eye on your Prussians as they bake. They're done when they're golden brown and caramelized around the edges. Resist the urge to overbake, as they can become dry.
• Let the Prussians cool completely on a wire rack before digging in. This allows them to crisp up further and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• While delicious on their own, Prussians are a great base for customization. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before folding, drizzle with melted chocolate after baking, or add chopped nuts for a textural contrast.

What Are Prussians?

Prussians are a type of dessert pastry made with puff pastry, sugar, and lemon. They are known for their flaky texture, caramelized exterior, and light, buttery center.

Do I Have To Use Lemon Zest?

The lemon zest adds a lovely citrus flavor, but you can omit it if you don't have any on hand. The Prussians will still be delicious.

What Happens If I Overbake My Prussians?

Overbaked Prussians can become dry and crumbly. Keep an eye on them during baking and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown.

How Can I Make My Prussians Extra Crispy?

Make sure your puff pastry is cold before working with it. Chilled dough will bake up flakier and crispier. You can also brush the tops of the Prussians with a little milk before baking for added browning.

How Can I Dress Up My Prussians?

There are many ways to customize your Prussians! Before folding the dough, you can sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, or cocoa powder. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate after baking.

How Can I Reheat Stale Prussians?

To revive slightly stale Prussians, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and bake them for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly warmed through and crisp again.

How to Store Prussians

Prussians are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Prussians

In a bowl, combine the sugar with grated lemon zest.

Mix well by rubbing the zest into the sugar.

Unfold the puff pastry sheet and brush it lightly with a little water.

Generously sprinkle the lemon sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Gently press the sugar into the dough, ensuring even coverage.

Layer a piece of baking sheet on top, then turn the pastry sheet over and similarly sprinkle the sugar mixture on the other side of the pastry sheet.

Fold one quarter of the pastry sheet inwards towards the center.

Fold it over itself again so that half of the pastry sheet is now folded over.

Repeat this with the other side.

Fold both sides toward each other to create a thick log of dough.

Use a sharp knife and cut the dough log into pieces about ½ inch thick.

Arrange the Prussians on a baking sheet.

Place the Prussians in a preheated oven for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Once golden brown, remove the Prussians from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving