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Cinnamon Palmiers Recipe

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Wrap the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in layers of buttery puff pastry, and you get cinnamon palmiers! These little French pastries might look fancy with their swirl of sugar and spice, but theyโ€™re surprisingly simple to make. All you need are puff pastry, cinnamon, and sugar and you can enjoy a delicious sweet treat with sugar, spice, and everything nice!

A plate of cinnamon palmiers arranged neatly on a table with red and gold decorations.

I first had cinnamon palmiers in college when a friendโ€™s Mom sent her a huge box of homemade treats to share. As a fan of cinnamon, the palmiers instantly caught my eye and they were definitely my favorite out of all the goodies in that box. I asked for the recipe, and Iโ€™ve never stopped making them. And since weโ€™re in the season of warm spices, I thought Iโ€™d share my easy recipe with you!

This simple recipe uses store-bought puff pastry for ease and convenience, but that doesnโ€™t mean the pastries are less indulgent or delicious. In fact, they always turn out to have light and crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Shaping the dough into the signature palmier shape is easier than it looks and gets easier the more you practice.

Cinnamon palmiers, sometimes called French Hearts or Elephant Ears, are a staple in my holiday spreads, alongside almond crescent cookies, peanut butter fudge, and saltine toffee. And while they make an excellent holiday treat, we also enjoy them year round. 

Theyโ€™re a perfect pair to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, they make a great snack, after-meal dessert, or lunch box treat. Theyโ€™re always a hit at potlucks, picnics, and parties, too! In short, cinnamon palmiers are a crowd-pleasing, versatile pastry that you canโ€™t afford to miss.

A plate of cinnamon palmiers is on a wooden table.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy pastry recipe: Just coat the dough in cinnamon sugar, shape, and bake. 
  • Minimal ingredients: You only need 3 simple ingredients to make a delicious, indulgent sweet treat. 
  • Kid-approved: Sweet, crunchy, and fun to eat – kids will love helping you make (and eat) them!
  • Crowd-pleaser: These delicate pastries are perfect for entertaining and theyโ€™re always a hit at parties. They look gorgeous in holiday spreads, too!
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the dough and assemble up to 2 days in advance and bake them fresh when needed.

How to Make Cinnamon Palmiers 

I love making cinnamon sugar palmiers not only because theyโ€™re a breeze to make, but my kitchen always smells amazing when theyโ€™re baking. My kids also have fun making these – I roll out the dough, we shape and coat it together, and they enjoy watching the pastries puff up in the oven. These treats only take 15 minutes to bake, and we all enjoy crispy, flaky layers of pastry coated in caramelized, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. So, so good!

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.

A rectangular platter with neatly arranged cinnamon palmiers, placed on a wooden table.

Ingredients You Need

  • White sugar: Provides the sweetness that caramelizes during baking, giving the palmiers their irresistible sugary crunch.
  • Puff pastry: The buttery, flaky base of the recipe that creates those signature crispy layers. I use store-bought frozen puff pastry to simplify the process, but you can also make your own. 
  • Ground cinnamon: Add warmth and spice, giving the pastry a comforting flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Making cinnamon palmiers is as easy as they are delicious. In 3 easy steps, you get to enjoy cinnamon perfection through crispy, flaky, buttery pastries! Follow the instructions below and you canโ€™t go wrong.

Step 1: Prep the pastry

Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Sprinkle approximately โ…“ cup sugar on a clean work surface, then unroll the puff pastry out onto the sugar. Puff pastry is typically rectangular. I work with the long side as the width, so my rectangle is wider than tall.

Mix the remaining sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl and then sprinkle it on the top side of the dough. Lightly roll a rolling pin across the surface a few times to press the sugar into the pastry.

Step 2: Shape the dough

Next, fold the top edge down and the bottom edge up the center of the dough. The edges should meet each other but not overlap. Pinch up any extra sugar left on the work surface. Repeat this step a second time; fold each edge to the middle. Check again for loose sugar and press it into the dough.

Now, fold the two sides together so that all the dough is folded in a single stack. If your dough is getting warm and starting to stick to the workspace, wrap it in plastic and pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up again.

Finally, cut the dough ยฝ-inch thick. Transfer cookies to a baking sheet and reshape any ones that unroll a little.

Step 3: Bake the cookies

Bake for 12-15 minutes. Flip over with a spatula. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. Cool for a minute or so on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

A bowl of cinnamon palmiers with a swirled filling on a wooden table, surrounded by red beads.

Substitutions

Itโ€™s likely that you already have all 3 ingredients to make cinnamon palmiers in your pantry. In case youโ€™re missing an ingredient or want to use an alternative, I recommend these substitutions:

  • White sugar: If you donโ€™t want to use granulated sugar, use light brown or brown sugar instead. You can also try coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
  • Puff pastry: If you want a dairy-free option, look for a puff pastry brand that uses oil, not butter. You can also swap out puff pastry for crescent roll dough, though the texture will be slightly different.
  • Ground cinnamon: Replace with or add a blend of warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. Alternatively, pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice can give your pastry a seasonal touch.

Variations

These cinnamon sugar palmiers are perfect as is, but I make them so often that Iโ€™ve tried a few tweaks and additions to keep them fun and exciting. You can customize your palmiers according to your taste or what you have on hand, but in the meantime, get inspired by these awesome variations:

  • Want to make the ultimate fall treat? Replace the white sugar filling with maple sugar or drizzle maple syrup over the puff pastry before rolling it up.
  • Sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts along with the cinnamon and sugar for added crunch.
  • Drizzle chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel sauce over the pastries while theyโ€™re still warm for a richer, more indulgent treat.
  • Add a bit of lemon zest to the sugar mixture for a refreshing twist that complements the cinnamon and brightens the overall taste.
  • Spread a thin layer of your favorite jam or jelly on the pastry before rolling it up for a nice fruity surprise.
A plate of cinnamon palmiers with a golden-brown, sugar-topped crust.

Expert Tips

  • Use quality puff pastry: Whether you make your own or buy pre-made, opt for high-quality puff pastry. It makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
  • Keep the dough cold: After thawing the dough, keep it refrigerated until ready to use. It should be cold when you work with it; otherwise, it can become very sticky and difficult to use if itโ€™s left out at room temperature too long. Keep the dough in the fridge or freezer anytime youโ€™re not actively working with it.
  • Cut cleanly: Dip your knife in flour before slicing the rolled pastry into even pieces. A clean cut will help the palmiers hold their shape and puff up nicely. The flour prevents the knife from sticking to the pastry, making cutting easier. Slice a few palmiers and dip the knife again when it starts to get sticky.
  • Get creative with mix-ins: Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or candied nuts for different flavor variations alongside the cinnamon.
  • Gift your cinnamon palmiers: Cinnamon palmiers make an excellent homemade edible gift. Cool them completely, place them in a nice box, and give them to family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues.

How to Store This Recipe

Place cinnamon palmiers in an airtight container and store at room temperature, preferably in a cool, dry place, for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them if preferred, or keep them in the freezer for up to a month. Warm them up in the oven in moderate heat until they crisp up again. Defrost frozen palmiers first before reheating.

A bowl of cinnamon palmiers on a wooden surface.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Palmiers

Cinnamon sugar palmiers are best enjoyed simply with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or any seasonal drink like slow cooker mulled wine. Pair them with a chocolate or caramel dipping sauce, fruit compote, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent snack or dessert. At brunches or parties, serve the palmiers as part of a pastry spread, or alongside a cheese board.

More Christmas Treats To Try

If you make these cinnamon palmiers, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment! 

A plate of cinnamon palmiers arranged neatly on a table with red and gold decorations.

Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers Recipe

Author: Jessica Haggard
Cinnamon palmiers are as charming as they are delicious, featuring a crispy, flaky texture that melts in your mouth. Made with just 3 simple ingredients, theyโ€™re the perfect combination of buttery goodness and sweet cinnamon sugar flavor. They only take 15 minutes to bake, and you can enjoy these delicate and delicious pastries year-round.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 78 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • โ…” cup white sugar divided
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed in the refrigerator overnight
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 ยฐF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle approximately โ…“ cup sugar on a clean work surface, then unroll the puff pastry out onto the sugar. Puff pastry is typically rectangular. I work with the long side as the width, so my rectangle is wider than tall.
  • Mix the remaining sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl and then sprinkle it on the top side of the dough. Lightly roll a rolling pin across the surface a few times to press the sugar into the pastry.
  • Fold the top edge down and the bottom edge up the center of the dough. The edges should meet each other but not overlap. Pinch up any extra sugar left on the work surface. Repeat this step a second time; fold each edge to the middle. Check again for loose sugar and press it into the dough.
  • Now, fold the two sides together so that all the dough is folded in a single stack. If your dough is getting warm and starting to stick to the workspace, wrap it in plastic and pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up again.
  • Cut the dough ยฝ-inch thick. Transfer cookies to a baking sheet and reshape any ones that unroll a little.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes. Flip over with a spatula. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. Cool for a minute or so on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Whether you make your own or buy pre-made, opt for high-quality puff pastry. It makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
  • Keep the dough refrigerated until ready to use or anytime youโ€™re not actively working with it to prevent it from becoming sticky and difficult to use.
  • Dip your knife in flour before slicing the rolled pastry into even pieces. This prevents the knife from sticking to the pastry, making cutting easier. Slice a few palmiers and dip the knife again when it starts to get sticky.
  • Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or candied nuts for different flavor variations alongside the cinnamon.
  • Cool the pastries completely, place them in a nice box, and give them to family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues as thoughtful gifts.
Serve: Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or any seasonal drink. Pair with a sweet dipping sauce, fruit compote, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent snack or dessert. At brunches or parties, serve the palmiers as part of a pastry spread, or alongside a cheese board.
Store: Place cinnamon palmiers in an airtight container and store at room temperature, preferably in a cool, dry place, for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them if preferred, or keep them in the freezer for up to a month. Warm them up in the oven in moderate heat until they crisp up again. Defrost frozen palmiers first before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 25mgPotassium: 7mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Please leave a review and share with me!

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