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!
*This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.
And if you like these cinnamon sugar palmiers, try my Coconut Palmiers, my Pie Crust Cinnamon Twists, and my Pecan Pastry Braid!
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!
Jump to:
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. And if you love the cinnamon in these palmiers, check out the flavors in my Cinnamon Rolls Peach Cobbler and my Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies!
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The easy way to remember how to pronounce palmier is to palm-ee-YAY. Here's a quick YouTube video on the pronunciation of palmier!
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
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
📖 Recipe
Equipment you may need
Ingredients
- 2 sheets storebought puff pastry - thawed according to package directions
- 1 cup (200 g) turbinado sugar - divided (you can substitute white granulated sugar)
- 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar - divided
- 2 tablespoon (30 ml) ground cinnamon - divided
- ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) salt - divided (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.1 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt
- On a clean surface, evenly sprinkle ½ cup of the turbinado sugar. Lay first sheet of puff pastry on the sugar, and roll with a rolling pin to press into the sugar below it.1 cup turbinado sugar, 2 sheets storebought puff pastry
- Top pastry evenly with brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Fold the sides of the puff pastry towards the center so they are halfway to the middle, and then fold both sides again so that they meet at the middle of the dough. Then fold one half over the other like a book.
- Repeat steps 2-4 with the second puff pastry sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, slice pastry rolls across into ¼ inch pieces and carefully lay on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 6 minutes or until slightly browned on top. Remove from oven and, using a thin spatula, carefully flip pastry over. Bake for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Cool completely before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Last Updated on March 17, 2025 by Chenée Lewis
Jesse says
These cinnamon palmiers are tasty and I also enjoy them in the morning with my coffee.
Chenée Lewis says
They're perfect with coffee! Thanks! 🙂
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
So perfect for Christmas and I love the crisp crunch of palmiers.
Chenée Lewis says
The crunchy texture is my favorite part too!
Katherine Hackworthy says
Oh wow these cinnamon palmiers are just the cutest! I adore cinnamon and can't wait to try them.
Chenée Lewis says
Thanks! They're so fun to make and even better to eat! 🙂
Laura says
These palmiers were a hit at our Christmas lunch. They're so pretty.
Chenée Lewis says
Wonderful! These are always a hit around here too.
Dannii says
I am loving anything with cinnamon in at the moment and these look delicious. I can't wait to try them.
Chenée Lewis says
I hope you enjoy!