palmiers

Palmiers are a French pastry also known in English as elephant ears or palm leaves. They are made from sheets of puff pastry that are rolled with sugar and baked until deeply caramelized and crisp. The resulting cookies are typically flat, crescent- or leaf-shaped, with a delicate, flaky texture.

Preparation methods focus on folding and rolling. A sheet of puff pastry is lightly dusted with granulated sugar (often with a touch of cinnamon or vanilla). The long edges are folded toward the center from both sides, creating a thick, lattice-like strip that resembles a log. The log is chilled, then sliced into thin coins and baked until the sugar caramelizes and the pastry puffs into crisp, wafer-thin layers. Egg wash is sometimes brushed on for extra shine.

Variations exist across regions and recipes. Classic palmiers use sugar-only or sugar-and-cinnamon flavoring. Savory versions occasionally employ cheese, herbs, or sesame seeds to create a contrasting profile. Some recipes fill the pastry with jam or almond paste before folding, though these are less common than the traditional sugar-coated form.

Palmiers are commonly served with tea or coffee and are valued for their quick preparation and crisp texture. They store well in airtight containers for several days and can be dipped in chocolate or dusted with additional sugar for presentation.