Why did my palmiers spread too much?

The puff pastry may have become too warm before baking. Chill the sliced cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.

Can I make palmiers ahead?

Yes. Roll the sugared pastry log, wrap it well, and chill for a few hours before slicing and baking fresh.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a very sharp knife and cut straight down without sawing too much. If the pastry softens, chill the log until firm enough to slice neatly.

Can I freeze unbaked palmiers?

Yes. Freeze sliced unbaked palmiers on a tray, then store in a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes if needed.

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Classic French Palmiers Puff Pastry Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar

Name: Classic French Palmiers Puff Pastry Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

By Beginnerbakes Test KitchenReviewed by Beginnerbakes Editorial TeamPublished May 2, 2026 · Updated Jun 27, 2026

French 25 mins beginner-friendlyeasystep-by-stepclassiccomfort-foodminimal-ingredientssnackno-fusspartykid-friendly

Learn how to make Classic French Palmiers—crispy, buttery puff pastry cookies coated with sweet cinnamon sugar. This easy beginner-friendly recipe requires minimal ingredients and yields elegant cookies perfect for parties, snacks, or kid-friendly treats.

Classic French Palmiers Puff Pastry Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Total 25 min

Servings 24

Difficulty easy

Cuisine French

Ingredients

Servings 24

1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Measured ingredients for BeginnerBakes cinnamon sugar palmiers

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C (400 degrees F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar onto a clean work surface.
Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto the sugared surface and sprinkle more cinnamon sugar evenly over the top.
Use a rolling pin to gently press the cinnamon sugar into the pastry without flattening the layers too much.
Roll one long edge tightly toward the center, then roll the opposite long edge toward the center so the two rolls meet.
Place the rolled pastry on sugared parchment and sprinkle with a little more cinnamon sugar.
Use a very sharp knife to slice the log into 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) pieces.
Arrange slices cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between cookies for expansion.
Sprinkle the tops lightly with extra cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the palmiers are puffed, golden, and lightly caramelized.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

BeginnerBakes puff pastry rolled and sliced for cinnamon sugar palmiers

Tips

Equipment Needed

Use a parchment-lined baking sheet, rolling pin, small bowl, and very sharp knife for clean palmier slices. A wire rack is helpful after baking because the caramelized sugar firms as the cookies cool.

Ingredient Prep Notes

Thaw puff pastry until pliable but still cool so it rolls without tearing and keeps its layers. Mix the cinnamon sugar thoroughly before sprinkling so every bite has even sweetness and spice.

Oven Note

Preheat fully to 200 degrees C (400 degrees F) because puff pastry needs strong heat to lift and crisp. Watch closely near the end; palmiers can move from golden caramelized to too dark very quickly.

Easy Upgrade Ideas

Dip cooled palmiers halfway in melted chocolate for a simple party finish. For a brighter flavor, add finely grated orange zest to the cinnamon sugar before rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my palmiers spread too much?: The puff pastry may have become too warm before baking. Chill the sliced cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
Can I make palmiers ahead?: Yes. Roll the sugared pastry log, wrap it well, and chill for a few hours before slicing and baking fresh.
How do I get clean slices?: Use a very sharp knife and cut straight down without sawing too much. If the pastry softens, chill the log until firm enough to slice neatly.
Can I freeze unbaked palmiers?: Yes. Freeze sliced unbaked palmiers on a tray, then store in a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes if needed.

Ingredient Replacements

Use vegan puff pastry if you need a dairy-free version, and check the label because many store-bought puff pastries are already plant-based. Gluten-free puff pastry can work too, though it may be more delicate when rolling and slicing.

Fine cane sugar can replace granulated sugar and helps coat the pastry evenly. For a different warm flavor, swap some cinnamon with cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, or a small pinch of nutmeg.

Storage and Reheating

Store fully cooled palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from moisture so the caramelized sugar stays crisp.

Refresh slightly softened palmiers in a 150 degrees C (300 degrees F) oven for 3-5 minutes, then cool before serving. Freezing baked palmiers is possible, but unbaked sliced palmiers freeze better for fresh-baked texture.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Classic French Palmiers Puff Pastry Cookies with Cinnamon Sugar

Recipe Details

Ingredients

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