Cinnamon Palmiers

Cinnamon Palmiers – A Quick and Flavorful Treat

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Welcome to the sweet and aromatic world of quick desserts! Today, I invite you to discover the delicious recipe for cinnamon palmiers. These little pastries, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are a perfect choice for breakfast or a sweet snack during the day. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, cinnamon palmiers are always an inspired choice.

A Brief History of Palmiers
Palmiers are a type of pastry that has its origins in European baking traditions. This simple and quick recipe has been popularized for its versatility and ease, becoming a favorite among many families. This dessert is not only tasty but also fun to make, involving a simple folding technique that is both engaging and easy to learn.

Essential Ingredients
- 250 g puff pastry (preferably of good quality for perfect texture)
- 50 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your taste)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (freshly ground cinnamon will provide the best flavor)
- 1 egg (for a delicious golden color)
- A bit of butter (about 30 g, for added flavor)

Step by Step – Making Cinnamon Palmiers

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by taking the puff pastry out of the fridge, letting it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out. Prepare a clean workspace and a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle a work surface with a little flour and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle about 30x40 cm. Make sure the dough is even and not too thick to allow for even baking.

Step 3: Butter the Dough
Melt the butter over low heat or in the microwave and use it to evenly coat the entire surface of the dough. This step will add a rich flavor and help the sugar and cinnamon adhere.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Cinnamon
Mix the sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough, ensuring you cover the entire surface. The aroma will be delightful!

Step 5: Fold the Dough
Fold the dough lengthwise, forming a smaller rectangle. Use a sharp knife to cut strips about 2 cm wide along the entire length of the dough. These strips will be the base of the palmiers.

Step 6: Form the Palmiers
Take each strip of dough and fold it so that the edges meet in the center, then gently bring them towards the inside, forming a palmier. Make sure they are well pressed to stick together.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Place the palmiers on the baking tray, leaving enough space between them to expand. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each palmier with a pastry brush. This will contribute to a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 8: Bake
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the palmiers for 25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Check them occasionally to avoid burning.

Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once done, remove the palmiers from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack. They are now ready to serve!

Practical Tips
- For an even more intense flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- If you want a healthier option, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- Palmiers can be enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and water.

Nutritional Benefits
This quick dessert not only offers an explosion of flavors but also a moderate dose of calories, making it ideal for moments when you want to indulge without excess. A serving of palmiers has about 180 calories, so don’t worry about enjoying them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! Using store-bought puff pastry is an excellent choice for saving time. Just make sure to choose a quality product.

2. How can I store the palmiers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What drinks pair well with cinnamon palmiers?
Palmiers pair perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. A sweet wine or warm cider can also be excellent accompaniments.

Possible Variations
If you want to experiment, try adding ground nuts or fine chocolate over the sugar and cinnamon for a different taste. Another idea is to use other spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create a unique flavor.

A Personal Note
I fondly remember the moments when I made palmiers with my grandmother. Together, we had fun shaping different forms and enjoying the enticing aroma that filled the house. This recipe is not just about eating but about creating sweet memories with loved ones. So, gather your family or friends and enjoy this treat together!

I hope you find this recipe captivating and inspiring. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and let your imagination soar. Bon appétit!