Crisp & Swirled Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers

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Cinnamon Palmiers, also affectionately known as “elephant ears,” are a classic French-inspired pastry that turns simple puff pastry into delicate, crispy swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness. They may look fancy and intricate, but they’re delightfully easy to make and require minimal ingredients. These flaky, golden cookies deliver crunch, warmth, and just the right amount of sweetness in each bite.

What makes this recipe so appealing is the contrast of textures: a crisp, caramelized exterior with tender, buttery layers inside. With each bite, you get a satisfying snap and a lingering cinnamon-spiced finish that brings all the cozy vibes. Whether served with afternoon tea or as a snack to impress guests, these cookies are a stylish treat with very little effort.

The origin of palmiers is humble, and their shape mimics a palm leaf or butterfly wings. The folding technique gives them their signature swirl, and the magic really happens when the sugar caramelizes during baking. The cinnamon adds a warm depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich butteriness of puff pastry.

For this version, we enhance the flavor profile slightly with a dash of ground cardamom for added aromatic depth. Just a pinch elevates the traditional cinnamon-sugar combo into something a bit more special and unexpected. This tiny tweak makes a big impact.

You can serve these alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make for an elegant addition to cookie trays during holidays or dinner parties. Plus, they look so pretty and professional that no one will guess how simple they really are.

No need to make puff pastry from scratch here. Store-bought puff pastry works beautifully, as long as you let it thaw properly so it becomes pliable for rolling and shaping. From there, it’s all about the sugar coating, tight rolling, and precise slicing.

What’s also great is the ability to make these ahead. The raw slices can be refrigerated or even frozen until you’re ready to bake. This means you can always have a stash ready to pop into the oven whenever cravings strike or surprise guests arrive.

Another benefit? They smell incredible while baking. The scent of cinnamon, butter, and sugar toasting together will fill your home with cozy bakery vibes.

With a short ingredient list and minimal prep, these palmiers are one of those impressive-yet-easy recipes that every home baker should have up their sleeve.

They store well too. Just let them cool fully and keep them in an airtight container for a few days of crisp deliciousness. They rarely last that long, though—these cookies disappear fast.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie, this recipe is a guaranteed win. It teaches good techniques while offering delicious results.

Let’s break down how to make these beautiful cinnamon swirls so you can try them yourself!

Servings: 20 palmiers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for surface)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Splash of water

Instructions

1. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar on a clean surface. Place thawed puff pastry on top and gently roll into a 15×10-inch rectangle.
2. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered pastry.
4. Starting from each long side, roll both edges tightly toward the center until they meet in the middle.
5. Dab your finger with a bit of water and gently press along the seam to seal the two sides together.
6. Refrigerate the rolled pastry for 5-10 minutes to firm it up for slicing.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Cut the chilled roll into 1/4-inch slices. Lay the slices flat, spaced 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Best Results

• Roll the pastry gently to avoid squeezing out the sugar.
• Chill the rolled log to make slicing easier and cleaner.
• Use a sharp knife for even slices.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-style results with easy steps.
• Crunchy, caramelized edges.
• Just 6 basic ingredients.
• Freezable and make-ahead friendly.

These Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers are elegant, buttery cookies with swirls of caramelized cinnamon and a crisp, golden finish. Made with store-bought puff pastry and a handful of pantry ingredients, they’re the perfect mix of fancy and foolproof. Great for tea time, dessert trays, or edible gifting.