Classic French Palmiers
Delight in the simplicity and elegance of Classic French Palmiers. These delectable pastries, with their lovely caramelized crust, are a quintessential treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or can serve as a light, satisfying dessert. Universally admired, these treats can be prepared in advance and stored for those moments when you desire a quick indulgence.
25
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
375g (Pre-packaged sheet)
Caster Sugar
2-3 tbsp (for sprinkling)
Icing Sugar
as needed (sifted for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2
Unroll or roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface dusted with caster sugar. Aim to shape it into a rectangle approximately 20cm x 35cm, trimming the edges neatly with a sharp knife.
3
Sprinkle an even layer of caster sugar over the top surface of the pastry.
4
Fold the longer sides of the rectangle towards the center, allowing them to meet in the middle, and add a bit more caster sugar to the top.
5
Fold the pastry in half lengthwise again, pressing gently to keep its shape intact.
6
Wrap the folded pastry in plastic wrap or cover it, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
7
Remove from the refrigerator and slice the pastry roll into 1cm thick slices.
8
Arrange the slices, cut side up, on the prepared baking trays, leaving approximately 10cm of space between each palmier.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then carefully turn each palmier over and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
10
Take the trays out of the oven and transfer the palmiers to a wire rack to cool completely.
11
Once cooled, serve the palmiers dusted with sifted icing sugar.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic French Palmiers?
Classic French Palmiers are elegant, heart-shaped pastries made from puff pastry with a caramelized sugar crust, often served with coffee.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires only three ingredients: puff pastry, caster sugar, and icing sugar.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 220°C (428°F).
How should I prepare the baking trays?
Line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent the caramelized sugar from sticking.
What dimensions should the puff pastry be rolled into?
Aim to shape the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 20cm x 35cm.
How much caster sugar is used in this recipe?
Use 2-3 tablespoons of caster sugar for sprinkling over the pastry.
Why do I need to refrigerate the pastry before baking?
Refrigerating the pastry for at least 30 minutes allows it to firm up, making it easier to slice neatly.
How thick should the palmier slices be?
The pastry roll should be sliced into 1cm thick slices.
How much space should I leave between each palmier on the tray?
Leave approximately 10cm of space between each palmier as they expand significantly during baking.
What is the total baking time for Palmiers?
The total baking time is 20 minutes: 10 minutes on the first side and another 10 minutes after turning them over.
How do I know when the palmiers are finished baking?
They are done when they appear golden brown and have a crispy texture.
When should I apply the icing sugar?
Dust the palmiers with sifted icing sugar only once they have cooled completely on a wire rack.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 25 palmiers.
Can these pastries be made in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared in advance and stored for later indulgence.
What is the best way to fold the pastry for the palmier shape?
Fold the longer sides towards the center until they meet, then fold the pastry in half lengthwise again.
Do I need to flip the palmiers during baking?
Yes, carefully turn each palmier over halfway through the baking process to ensure even browning.
What type of pastry is required?
You should use a 375g sheet of pre-packaged puff pastry.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy' recipe with a simple three-ingredient list.
What should I do after removing them from the oven?
Transfer the palmiers to a wire rack immediately to allow them to cool completely.
Can Palmiers be served as a dessert?
Yes, they serve as a light and satisfying dessert or a sweet snack.
What tool should I use to trim the pastry?
Use a sharp knife to neatly trim the edges of the pastry rectangle.
What should I dust the work surface with?
Dust your clean work surface with caster sugar before unrolling the puff pastry.
Should the slices be placed cut side up or flat?
Arrange the slices cut side up on the baking trays.
Is icing sugar used inside the pastry?
No, icing sugar is only used for dusting the finished, cooled product.
What is the primary flavor profile of a palmier?
They are sweet with a deep caramelized sugar flavor and buttery pastry notes.
How long do they need to cool?
They should cool until they reach room temperature and become fully crisp.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include french, dessert, easy, light, pastry, sweet, quick, and coffee companion.
Why is the 10cm spacing important?
Palmiers 'unfurl' and grow in width as they bake, so they need plenty of room to avoid sticking together.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is beautifully caramelized and crunchy.
Can I serve these with coffee?
Yes, they are described as a quintessential treat that pairs beautifully with coffee.