Craving a sweet, crispy treat but short on time and ingredients? You can easily whip up delicious Elephant Ear Palmiers, a delightful and impressive addition to your collection of five ingredient dessert recipes. These elegant pastries are incredibly simple to make and perfect for a quick indulgence or a last-minute gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff Pastry: Use a good quality, all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Nutmeg or cardamom can be substituted for a different spice profile.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (about 10-12 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional, to enhance flavors)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 palmiers
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
- Tools Needed: Rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Lightly flour your clean work surface and unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. This creates a non-stick base for easy handling. You want to make sure the pastry is pliable but still cool.
2. Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon
Evenly sprinkle half of the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Gently press the sugar mixture into the pastry with your hands or a rolling pin. This ensures the sugar adheres well.
3. Fold the Sides In
Fold one long side of the pastry towards the center, meeting it with the other long side. Repeat this process, folding the second long side inwards so the edges meet in the middle. You are creating a double fold here.
4. Fold Again and Chill
Now, fold the entire pastry in half lengthwise, bringing the two folded halves together. You should have a compact log of pastry. Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This firming step makes slicing much easier.
5. Slice and Arrange
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled pastry log and use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for expansion.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip each palmier and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Let your delicious five ingredient dessert recipes cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Variation Ideas
- Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate before baking.
- Orange Zest: Mix in a teaspoon of fresh orange zest with the sugar and cinnamon for a citrusy note.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Storage Instructions
Store your Elephant Ear Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For optimal crispiness, you can briefly warm them in a toaster oven before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh, but still delightful a few days later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use pre-made puff pastry dough? Yes, the recipe assumes you are using store-bought frozen puff pastry.
- Why do my palmiers lose their shape? Ensure your pastry is well-chilled before slicing and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the log of dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before slicing and baking.
- What if I don’t have cinnamon? You can omit it, or try another warm spice like nutmeg for a slightly different flavor.
- My palmiers aren’t crispy enough. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and bake them until they are deeply golden brown.
- Can I freeze baked palmiers? Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly for crispness.