If you’re looking for a sweet treat that is easy to make and delicious, you’ve found it! Cinnamon sugar palmiers are a delightful pastry that will impress your friends and family. In this post, I will guide you through the simple steps to create these crispy, flaky delights at home. From ingredient tips to variations, you’ll have all you need to make your own tasty palmiers! Let’s get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive treat.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These palmiers are versatile enough to serve at parties, brunches, or as an everyday snack.
- Great for Sharing: With 12-15 servings, they’re a fantastic option to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Substitute Options for Ingredients
If you do not have granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. For cinnamon, you can try using a mix of nutmeg or allspice. They give a warm, spicy note. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. This will keep the recipe vegan.
Tips for Choosing Quality Puff Pastry
Look for puff pastry that is made with real butter. It gives a richer flavor and better texture. Check the ingredients to avoid any artificial additives. A good puff pastry should be flaky and crisp when baked. If possible, choose a well-known brand. Freshness is key, so make sure it is not close to the expiration date. Always keep it frozen until you are ready to use it. This helps maintain its quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Preheating the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the palmiers bake evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and prevents the palmiers from sticking.
Rolling and Preparing the Puff Pastry
Next, take your puff pastry and place it on a clean, floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12 x 14 inches. This makes the pastry more pliable. If you find it hard to roll, let it rest for a few minutes. A good, even roll helps create a nice shape for your palmiers.
Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Now, grab a small bowl and combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients well. This cinnamon-sugar mixture gives the palmiers their sweet and spicy flavor. Make sure every bit is blended for the best taste.
Rolling and Chilling the Pastry
After the cinnamon-sugar mixture is ready, brush melted butter evenly over the puff pastry. Now, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix generously on top. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry towards the center until both sides meet. Wrap the rolled pastry in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes slicing easier and helps the palmiers keep their shape.
Slicing and Baking the Palmiers
Once chilled, take the pastry out and slice it into 1/2 inch wide pieces. Place the slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. They will puff up while baking. If you have leftover cinnamon sugar, sprinkle it on top of the slices. Bake the palmiers for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed. Flip them halfway through for even baking. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you like, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Perfect Palmiers
To make your palmiers great, follow these simple tips:
- Use cold puff pastry. This keeps the layers distinct while baking.
- Roll evenly. Aim for a rectangle about 12 x 14 inches. This helps with even baking.
- Chill before slicing. Refrigerate the rolled pastry for 30 minutes. This makes cutting easier.
- Space them well. Leave room on the baking sheet. They puff up a lot!
- Watch the baking time. Keep an eye on them. Every oven cooks a bit differently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping the butter. It helps the sugar stick and adds flavor.
- Not chilling the dough. This can lead to uneven shapes and burning.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet. This can cause them to stick together.
- Ignoring the halfway flip. Flipping ensures they color evenly and cook well.
How to Achieve the Ideal Golden Color
For that perfect golden color, try these tips:
- Preheat your oven. Make sure it’s hot at 400°F (200°C) before baking.
- Bake until puffed and brown. Look for a rich, golden hue on the edges.
- Use the right baking sheet. A light-colored sheet prevents burning.
- Dust with sugar before baking. This helps caramelize and adds sweetness.
These tips will help you create palmiers that look as good as they taste!
Pro Tips
- Keep It Cold: Make sure your puff pastry is cold when you roll it out; this helps achieve a flaky texture when baked.
- Use Quality Cinnamon: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality ground cinnamon as it makes a significant difference in taste.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the rolled pastry before slicing ensures cleaner edges and helps maintain the shape during baking.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your palmiers in the oven; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, especially if your oven runs hot.

Variations
Chocolate Cinnamon Palmiers
You can add chocolate for a fun twist! Use chocolate spread instead of butter. Spread it on the puff pastry before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. This adds a rich, sweet flavor. The chocolate melts and mixes with the cinnamon, creating a tasty treat.
Nutty Walnut and Cinnamon Twist
Want some crunch? Try adding chopped walnuts. Mix the nuts with the cinnamon sugar. After brushing the butter on the pastry, sprinkle this mix over it. The nuts give the palmiers a nice texture and a great nutty taste. It pairs well with the sweet cinnamon.
Spiced Pumpkin Palmiers
For a fall-inspired treat, use pumpkin spice. Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin spice mix. You can also add a little pumpkin puree to the melted butter. This brings a warm, cozy flavor to the palmiers. They are perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday events.
These variations let you get creative with your palmiers. Mix and match flavors to find your favorite!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Palmiers
To keep your palmiers fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crispness. Place them at room temperature. They will stay tasty for about two days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing Palmiers for Later Use
Freezing palmiers is easy and smart. First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can stay good for up to three months.
Reheating Tips for Stale Palmiers
To revive stale palmiers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the palmiers on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them crisp again. If you prefer, use an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Enjoy them warm!
FAQs
What type of puff pastry is best for palmiers?
I recommend using high-quality, all-butter puff pastry. It gives your palmiers the best flavor and texture. You can find it in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Make sure to thaw it properly before use. This ensures it rolls out easily and puffs nicely.
Can I use different sugars or spices?
Yes, you can! Feel free to mix brown sugar with granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a twist. If you love chocolate, consider adding cocoa powder to the sugar mix. Just keep the cinnamon as a base for the best flavor.
How do I know when my palmiers are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color on the edges. They should puff up nicely and feel crisp. Baking usually takes 12-15 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even baking. Keep an eye on them, as ovens vary.
Where can I buy pre-made cinnamon sugar palmiers?
Many bakeries sell pre-made palmiers. You can also find them at gourmet grocery stores. Some larger supermarkets have a bakery section that carries them. If you’re short on time, this is a great option for a quick treat.
Can I make palmiers ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the palmiers and chill them in the fridge. You can slice and bake them later. They also freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
To sum up, we explored the key ingredients and steps for making delicious palmiers. We discussed tips for choosing puff pastry and shared easy substitutes. You learned how to prepare and bake them perfectly, avoiding common mistakes. Variations like chocolate and pumpkin add fun twists. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these insights, you can now create tasty palmiers with ease. Enjoy making them, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavor

Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- a pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- optional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a clean, floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle (about 12 x 14 inches) to make it more pliable.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well blended.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the puff pastry.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered pastry, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry towards the center until you reach the middle.
- Repeat on the other side so that both rolls meet in the middle. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Once chilled, remove the pastry from the fridge and slice it into 1/2 inch wide pieces.
- Place the palmiers cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will puff up during baking.
- Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the top of the palmiers.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even coloring.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For a sweeter touch, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

