Effortless Golden Elephant Ears
Indulge in these Effortless Golden Elephant Ears, a delightful treat perfect for any dessert table or afternoon snack. With just two main ingredients, this simple recipe transforms frozen puff pastry into a crispy, caramelized delight that's sure to impress. Each buttery, sugar-dusted ear is not only easy to make but also an irresistible treat for family and friends. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or as a sweet snack to brighten your day, these elephant ears are a must-try. Share the joy and sweetness with those you love!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
to taste (for dusting)
frozen puff pastry
1/2 lb (defrosted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet (no greasing needed).
2
On a clean pastry board, generously sprinkle a thick layer of granulated sugar. This will create a wonderful sweet crust on the pastry.
3
Unfold the defrosted puff pastry and place it on the sugared board. Use a rolling pin to roll it out gently into a neat oblong shape, ensuring it remains about 1/8 inch thick.
4
Begin folding one long side of the pastry inward towards the center, similar to rolling a jelly roll. Stop halfway.
5
Repeat the same folding process with the other long side of the pastry so that the two folded edges meet in the middle.
6
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the rolled pastry into 1/4 inch slices. Each slice should resemble an ear shape.
7
Press each slice flat into the sugar, ensuring both sides are coated evenly.
8
Arrange the sugar-dusted slices on the ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for spreading.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
10
Using tongs, carefully flip each pastry over and return them to the oven for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade elephant ears warm, fresh, and crispy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Effortless Golden Elephant Ears?
Effortless Golden Elephant Ears are a simple and delicious dessert made by caramelizing puff pastry with granulated sugar.
How many main ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You only need two main ingredients: frozen puff pastry and granulated sugar.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, you do not need to grease the baking sheet for this recipe.
How do I prepare the pastry board?
Generously sprinkle a thick layer of granulated sugar onto a clean pastry board to create a sweet crust.
How thin should I roll out the puff pastry?
Roll the pastry out gently until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
What shape should the rolled-out pastry be?
The pastry should be rolled into a neat oblong shape.
How do I fold the pastry to get the signature shape?
Fold both long sides of the pastry inward toward the center until the two folded edges meet in the middle.
How thick should I cut the pastry slices?
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into 1/4 inch slices.
Should I add more sugar after cutting the slices?
Yes, press each slice flat into the sugar on both sides to ensure they are evenly coated.
How long do the elephant ears need to bake?
Bake them for 6 to 8 minutes per side, for a total of 12 to 16 minutes.
When should I flip the pastries?
Flip the pastries after the first 6 to 8 minutes once the edges become golden brown.
What is the best way to flip the elephant ears?
Use tongs to carefully flip each pastry over to avoid burning yourself on the hot sugar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
Should the elephant ears be served hot or cold?
They are best enjoyed warm, fresh, and crispy after cooling slightly.
Can I use refrigerated puff pastry?
Yes, as long as the puff pastry is fully defrosted and ready to roll.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
Granulated sugar is recommended to create the caramelized crust.
Are these elephant ears fried or baked?
These are baked in the oven, making them an easier alternative to traditional fried elephant ears.
What should the final texture be?
They should be crispy, puffed, and have a caramelized, sweet exterior.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, this is an easy-to-follow recipe perfect for novice bakers due to its minimal ingredients.
Can I add spices like cinnamon?
While the basic recipe uses only sugar, you can mix cinnamon with the sugar for a cinnamon-sugar variation.
How much puff pastry do I need?
You will need 1/2 lb of defrosted puff pastry.
What if my puff pastry is still frozen?
Ensure the pastry is fully defrosted before unfolding to prevent it from cracking.
Can I make these for holidays?
Absolutely, these are tagged as holiday cookies and are perfect for celebration dessert tables.
Why is sugar used on the board instead of flour?
The sugar replaces flour to prevent sticking while simultaneously coating the dough to create a caramel crust.
How much space should I leave between pastries on the sheet?
Leave enough space for the pastries to spread as they puff up during baking.
Can these be stored for later?
They are best eaten fresh, as they may lose their crispness if stored in a humid environment.
What is the preparation time for the ingredients?
The prep time is minimal, primarily involving unfolding the pastry and coating it in sugar.
Do I need a special tool to roll the pastry?
A standard rolling pin is recommended to roll the pastry to the desired thickness.
What makes these 'effortless'?
The use of pre-made puff pastry and the simple two-ingredient composition makes them very easy to prepare.