Palmiers are a type of French pastry in a butterfly or elephant ear shape. Our version uses a homemade rough puff pastry. They’re easy to make, and you can create your own savory or sweet flavors!
First, make our recipe for rough puff pastry. Roll out the pastry rectangle slightly and split it into two rectangles. Re-wrap and return one of them to the fridge to stay chilled. You will be able to make two batches of palmiers, with different flavors if you like.
Mix together the sugar and salt. Divide the mixture in half (about a ¼ cup each). Spread out 2 tablespoons of the sugar mixture onto a clean work surface and roll out the single puff pastry rectangle into a 12 inch square on top of the sugar.
Spread another 2 tablespoons evenly on top, and lightly roll it into the dough, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Be sure to gather any loose sugar on the work surface and use it on top of the dough. This should use ¼ cup total sugar.
If using any added ingredients (e.g., dark chocolate, pecans, rosemary/garlic, etc.), sprinkle half over the folded dough. (Note, for the savory mixtures, you are replacing the sugar.)
Fold both sides of the square toward the center so they go halfway to the middle. Fold the folded sides again so the two folds meet exactly at the middle of the dough. If using any added ingredients (e.g., dark chocolate, pecans, rosemary/garlic, etc.), sprinkle more over the folded dough. Fold in half again so you have one long log, and wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator or 15 minutes in the freezer.
Repeat the process using the other half of the dough and flavoring mixture.
When the dough is nearly done chilling, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F/220 degrees C. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into ½ inch pieces. Place them on a baking sheet at least 3 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, layered on top of a piece of aluminum foil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Notes
Recipe makes 24 cookies, 2 cookies per serving. Prep time does not include time needed to make puff pastry.