Cinnamon Palmiers with Caramelized Sugar

Cinnamon Palmiers

Cinnamon palmiers are crisp French puff-pastry cookies with a caramelized sugar coating and a warm cinnamon finish. They are an excellent use for ready-rolled pastry when you want a bakery-style treat without making laminated dough from scratch.

Serve them with coffee or tea, or set them out after dinner with fruit and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The recipe makes 16 small palmiers, enough for eight two-cookie servings.

Why the Fold and Flip Matter

The distinctive heart shape comes from folding both long sides of the pastry towards the centre, then closing the dough like a book. Keep the pastry cold throughout: warm butter softens before the layers can lift in the oven.

Sugar on both sides of the dough is what makes palmiers crisp and glossy. Turning the slices midway lets the second side caramelize rather than steam, so use a thin spatula and work carefully while the sugar is hot.

Key Tips for Crisp Palmiers

• Slice the chilled log evenly. Thick or uneven slices spread differently and can leave some palmiers underbaked.
• Leave clear space around each slice. The pastry opens as it bakes and needs room for air to circulate.
• Cool the palmiers on a rack, not on the hot tray. This prevents the caramelized bottoms from softening.

Make Ahead and Storage

For a make-ahead batch, fold and slice the pastry, freeze the slices on a lined tray, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes as needed, until both sides are caramelized.

Keep baked cinnamon palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If they lose their snap, warm them in a 160°C (140°C fan)/325°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes, then cool again on a rack.

Portion Guidance for Goals

A serving is two palmiers. They are a sweet, buttery pastry, so pair them with tea or coffee and enjoy them as an occasional dessert or snack rather than relying on them for a protein-rich meal.

When to Eat

These are especially good for an afternoon coffee break, a shared tea table, or a simple dessert after a balanced meal.

Balance Tip

For a more satisfying sweet break, have your two palmiers alongside fruit and a source of protein such as Greek yogurt or a glass of milk.