Cinnamon Palmiers

Sweet and crunchy cinnamon palmiers are the easiest cookie to make! This palmier recipe requires just 4 ingredients, and these spiced sweet palmiers are irresistible! And if you like these cinnamon sugar palmiers, try my Coconut Palmiers, my Pie Crust Cinnamon Twists, and my Pecan Pastry Braid!

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Easy Cinnamon Palmiers Recipe

I love making palmiers! They're an incredibly easy cookie that only requires a few ingredients, and that crisp, flaky texture is to die for! And these cinnamon palmiers are a delicious twist! They're the classic puff pastry palmiers recipe, with an added touch of brown sugar and spice. So quick and easy, and so perfect for a simple holiday treat!

What is the meaning of palmiers?

Palmiers cookies are a light puff pastry cookie made by rolling puff pastry with sugar or other fillings. The name palmier is shortened from the French feuille de palmier, or "palm tree leaf." The traditional palmier recipe can be as simple as puff pastry and sugar, and there can be savory palmiers in addition to sweet palmiers like this cinnamon sugar palmiers recipe.

What country are palmiers from?

Palmiers originated in Algeria in the early 20th century. They're enjoyed all over the world under different names: Schweineohren (pig's ears) in Germany, orejas (ears) in Latin America, ulleres (eyeglasses) in Catalonia, and butterfly pastries in China. They're typically made simply, with pastry and sugar, but in many variations can contain other ingredients or be topped with honey or chocolate.

In my experience, there's a reason why palmiers are so popular all over the world. They're easy to make and so tasty -- what's not to love? And to me, this cinnamon palmiers variation is a perfect spin on the classic.

What are palmier cookies made of?

Here's what you'll need for these cinnamon palmiers:

• store-bought frozen puff pastry - I always keep a box of frozen puff pastry in the fridge in case I want to make a quick batch of palmiers. I typically use Pepperidge Farm, but you can use any frozen puff pastry you like -- just be sure to thaw it first!
• turbinado sugar - raw sugar gives the outside of these palmiers that signature crunchy coating.
• ground cinnamon - cinnamon really shines in this recipe, since it's the main flavor. That said, I don't like to use too much of it so that it's not overpowering. I usually only use about a tablespoon or two.
• light brown sugar - goes perfectly with the flavor of the cinnamon! Typically, palmiers are made with white sugar, but I find the brown sugar gives these cinnamon palmiers a nice caramelized flavor.
• salt - optional, but recommended to bring out the cinnamon flavor.

Equipment

This recipe is SO easy -- you won't need a mixer, a mixing bowl, even a spoon! All you'll need is a rolling pan and a prepared baking sheet and you're ready to go!

Step by Step

1. Roll out your puff pastry dough. You'll want to sprinkle some raw sugar and roll the puff pastry on top of it to flatten it a bit. This will help to ensure that the outside edges of your cinnamon palmiers are coated in that crunchy sugar.
2. Sprinkle your cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt on top of your puff pastry. Try to keep it nice and even, so that you don't end up with pockets where the filling is overly thick.
3. Fold your puff pastry in from the sides, so that the outside flaps are now halfway to the center of the pastry. Try not to let the brown sugar and cinnamon spill out. Then fold the edges over themselves again so that both sides of the puff pastry meet in the middle. Finally, fold the puff pastry together like a book. You should end up with a long, thin roll of pastry. If necessary, now's the time to add more turbinado sugar to the outside of the pastry roll if any fell off.
4. Cut into thin slices with a sharp knife. Your pieces should each be between ¼ inch and ½ inch. Again, be careful not to let any of the brown sugar and cinnamon spill out the sides.
5. Carefully place the cinnamon palmiers flat on a lined baking sheet, spaced two inches apart. At this point I like to flatten the palmiers a bit so that the two swirls on either side have a rounder shape.
6. Bake! Once they've baked for 6 minutes, carefully flip each palmier and continue baking for about 4 minutes. They should be golden brown on the edges. Once they're done, take them out, immediately transfer your cinnamon palmiers to a cooling rack, and cool them completely before enjoying!

Tips and F.A.Q.

More Puff Pastry Recipes You'll Love

• Puff Pastry Pizza
• Strawberry Turnovers
• Pear Puff Pastry Tart with Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese
• Cinnamon Puff Pastry Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Peach Turnovers with Smoked Sugar

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Last Updated on January 3, 2022 by Chenée Lewis