Palmier Cookie Recipe: Crispy, Buttery French Delights

This palmier cookie recipe is perfect for those times when you’re craving something sweet and crunchy, but want a quick and easy solution. French palmiers are one of the easiest (like, stupid easy) recipes on the face of this planet. Which is kind of funny because they have a reputation for being one of the fanciest cookies!

These cookies have different variations all around the world. They go by different names like elephant ears, palm leaves, and french hearts, that describe their unique flat fanned shape. This shape comes from the reaction of heat and butter as they bake in the oven. 

A true palmier cookie recipe uses non-yeasted puff pastry dough as the base. French bakers created the famous palmier in the early 1900s using traditional French laminated dough. And while you might associate these cookies as distinctly French (and they are, to an extent), they’re actually heavily inspired by Algerian cuisine! 

This palmier cookie recipe is all about what you put into it. Plain sugar and bittersweet chocolate are staple fillings, but you can use just about anything. They can even be made sweet or savory depending on your choice. But no matter how you make them, each crispy, buttery bite can transport you to one of the finest patisseries in France. 

Although palmiers have a blurred origin story, they’re no less iconic. You can take the French out of the palmiers, but you can’t take the palmiers out of the French. These classic cookies are a staple in many French bakeries and represent a part of history when two cultures got folded together during conflict. The result? A sweet culinary victory.

While you’re here, would you consider taking a survey about your cultural background? I’m looking to learn more about other cultures and hopefully collaborate with some of my respondents on future projects! It would be so helpful! Take the survey via Google Forms here.

FRENCH PALMIERS ARE ACTUALLY… ALGERIAN?

Yes, French Palmiers can be traced back to Algeria! This palmier cookie recipe uses puff pastry, which makes it French. But don’t be fooled, these cookies have roots in the Middle East and North Africa!

Picture this: it’s the 19th century and France is tired of Algerian pirates. What do they do? They storm the coasts of Algeria and war breaks out. This war goes on almost two decades until things (sort of) settle in 1847. Victory is sweet, but hunger for dominance doesn’t end there. 

The French decided to colonize Algeria, bringing in settlers who begin bringing Algerian culture back to France. One of the things brought back were Algerian desserts that used phyllo dough. These types of desserts are popular across the lower and Eastern Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. Phyllo dough is a simple dough made of often just water and flour. It’s stretched paper-thin and layered with a fat when baked. 

The earliest known palmier cookie recipe dates back to 1905 when it was published in a French cookbook titled, “La Cuisine Algérienne”. The cookie became a hit and the first commercial production of palmiers began in the 1920’s. They were then introduced to the US in the 1950s and became synonymous with France instead of Algeria.

In France, laminated puff pastry was the dough of choice because of the techniques used in French patisseries. Inspired by Algeria’s phyllo desserts, French bakers created the palmier cookie as their own layered sweet dessert. The unique shape of the cookies were chosen to represent palm trees–a tree that grows naturally in Algeria!

Making this palmier cookie recipe transports you not only to a fancy French bakery, but also back in time!

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE PUFF PASTRY FOR PHYLLO DOUGH?

Puff pastry and phyllo dough have unique differences in their doughs. Because of this, you cannot substitute puff pastry for phyllo dough. 

In this recipe, the butter content of the puff pastry is what causes the unique shape of the palmiers. The dough is folded and formed into tight, “U”-shaped slices and baked at a high temperature. Baking the cookies at high temps helps the water content in the butter to heat up quickly. The moisture escaping the dough is what causes the pastry to puff up naturally. Puff pastry doesn’t require any yeast to puff in the oven. Instead, a true palmier cookie recipe uses the butter in between super thin layers of dough to rise.

Unlike puff pastry, phyllo dough doesn’t rise. These paper-thin sheets are layered together with either an oil or butter. A similar reaction happens in the oven, but the result is definitely not the same. Puff pastry will be soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Phyllo dough will stay crispy inside and out.

When making this palmier cookie recipe, it’s important to use the right dough to get the right result. Phyllo dough will still make something delicious in the oven–just not palmiers!

STEP BY STEP TECHNIQUE TO FORM THIS PALMIER COOKIE RECIPE PROPERLY

The standard for a palmier cookie recipe is to fold them into “U”-shaped slices. This folding technique is what will give your palmiers their signature look. Folding them is pretty simple. Here’s how you do it:

1. Start by prepping your sheet of dough with sugar on the bottom and your filling of choice spread on the top of the dough. 
2. Mark the center of the dough sheet by placing a small object like a nut on your workspace. 
3. Start with one half of the dough. Fold the half ⅓ of the way in.
4. Take your fold, and fold it over itself so that the outer edge reaches that middle line..
5. Repeat with the other half of the dough. If you do it right, you should have 3 layers of dough on each half.
6. Take the dough and fold it like a book. You’ll have a thick, “U” shaped slab of dough. 
7. Slice and place on cookie trays.

This palmier cookie recipe is best made with the tri-fold (in my opinion). But, if you want long and thinner palmiers, do a simpler double fold. 

1. Start by prepping your sheet of dough with sugar on the bottom and your filling of choice spread on the top.
2. Mark the center of the dough sheet by placing a small object like a nut on your work space.
3. Take the left edge of the dough and fold it to the center. 
4. Take the right edge and fold it to the center. 
5. Fold the dough as if you were closing a book.
6. Slice and place on the cookie trays.

PALMIER COOKIE RECIPE VARIATIONS

Palmiers come in a variety of different flavors, both sweet and savory. You can take this palmier cookie recipe and switch it up 100 different ways! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Nutella Palmier Cookie Recipe: Fill the inside of the palmiers with a thin layer of Nutella or your favorite hazelnut spread. For added crunch, sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted hazelnuts.
• Middle Eastern Date Paste: Since the original palmier cookie recipe came from a Mulim nation, incorporating Middle Eastern flavors like date paste is a perfect variation! Cook 2 cups of pitted dates and 1 tablespoon of water  over medium-low heat until they form a sweet paste. Remove from heat and add in 1 tsp of cardamom and orange blossom water. Let the paste cool slightly before spreading on the puff Pastry.
• Cinnamon Raisin: Mix a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar instead of white sugar. Add in ¼ cup of chopped raisins for a warm and aromatic twist!
• Fruit Palmier Cookie Recipe: Spread a thin layer of your favorite fruit preserves on top of the dough instead of sugar. One of my personal favorites is mixing guava paste with brie. 
• Chocolate Dipped: Many bakeries will dip these bad-boys into some dark chocolate. I would suggest you do the same because it could change your life. 
• Savory Ham and Onion: spread a thin layer of caramelized onions or onion jam on the dough. Top with toasted bits of ham or bacon and a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese.
• Pesto and Cheese: Spread a layer of your favorite pesto and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a savory bite! Perfect for appetizers!
• Olive and Goat Cheese: Spread a layer of olive tapenade and goat cheese crumbles for a savory and salty bite!

SERVING AND STORING THESE FRENCH(ISH) PALMIER COOKIES

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making this French (Algerian?) palmier cookie recipe, here’s how you can enjoy and store them:

How to Store Palmier Cookies

Puff pastry really only stays well the day it’s baked. If you want to make this palmier cookie recipe ahead of time, make the recipe up to the point where you slice and put them on a cookie tray. Freeze them on the cookie tray and then place them into an airtight container with parchment paper in between each layer of cookies. 

Making them ahead of time is a great way to always have a quick treat on hand! They can be made directly from the freezer by putting them on a cookie tray and baking at the same temperature. They may take a few minutes longer to bake. 

If you do need to store them for some reason, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll only last a day or two at the most. If your palmiers include perishable ingredients, like dairy or meat, keep them in the fridge. They will lose their crispness but meat and dairy can’t be left out at room temperature. 

Serving Palmier Cookies

Palmier cookies are best served just as they are. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try topping them with delicious things, either! Many bakeries offer palmiers dipped in dark chocolate. It’s delicious. Try it! They also make yummy ice cream sandwiches or dusted with a bit of powdered sugar. 

Savory palmiers are great for use with charcuterie boards. They’re great topped with slices of cured meats, tapenades, and used with dips. Savory palmiers make excellent croutons, especially for caesar salads. Just throwing that out there. 

Experiencing France’s Rich Cultural Cuisine

Take a moment to savor each bite of your palmiers. This palmier cookie recipe is a classic case of a delicious blending of cultures. Eat them with a strong cup of hot caffeine. Let them take you to a classic French patisserie, or let them take you to the hot shores of Algeria. You pick your adventure! Either way, these cookies are a culinary culture trip worth taking again and again! 

FRENCH PALMIER COOKIE RECIPE

Yield: 30 Cookies

FRENCH PALMIER COOKIES

Print

This iconic cookies are crispy and buttery, perfect with a hot cup of caffeine! Mix and match the fillings in this versatile cookie. Or, just bake them with plain granulated sugar for one of life's simplest treasures.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 18 seconds

Total Time 10 minutes 18 seconds

Ingredients

• 1 Package of Puff Pastry, Thawed
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Grated Bittersweet Chocolate (Optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425F and line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Let the puff pastry come to room temperature before working with the dough, about 10-15 minutes. Do not try to work with it beforehand, as it will be too fragile.
3. Spread half the sugar evenly onto your workspace. The sugar should cover about the same area as the puff pastry when unrolled. For most brands, that's about 9x12 inches.
4. Carefully unroll the pastry to a flat rectangle on top of the scattered sugar. Scatter the rest of the sugar evenly on top of the pastry sheet.
5. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry just enough to help press the sugar into the dough.
6. If using grated chocolate, spread it evenly across the top of the dough.
7. To roll, take the opposite short ends of the dough and fold them 1/3 of the way towards the center. Fold them again so both sides meet in the middle of the pastry. You should have 3 layers after this fold.
8. Fold one end of the dough on top of the other as if you were closing a book. You should have 6 layers after this fold.
9. Lightly cover with a towel and freeze for 15 minutes. Do not skip this step.
10. Using a sharp, straight knife, cut the log into 1/4-1/2 inch slices. Place flat-side down onto a baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart.
11. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy. Cool completely.

HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE FRENCH CULTURE

At Olivia Goes Global, we believe every day has something wonderful to celebrate! This palmier cookie recipe is a quick and easy way to take a French vacation without leaving your home. Add these traditional bakes to your confectionary routine in honor of French culture! Also be sure to check out our French Baking Kit to make more authentic bakes at home!