If you are craving a delightful, flaky treat that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to whip up, then this Vegan Puff Pastry Palmiers Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. These elegant French-inspired cookies, often called elephant ears, are buttery in texture but completely plant-based, made with just two simple ingredients. The combination of crunchy caramelized sugar and crisp, airy puff pastry creates a sweet little bite that feels like a tiny, flaky celebration in every mouthful. Whether you’re baking for guests or simply treating yourself, these palmiers are a charming way to enjoy a timeless classic with a vegan twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a couple of beautiful, straightforward ingredients is all it takes to make this recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role, delivering both the delightful crispness and the perfect caramelized sweetness that makes Palmiers so irresistible.
- Vegan puff pastry: This provides the flaky, buttery layers without any animal products and creates the signature texture of the palmiers.
- Sugar (½ cup or 100 grams): Essential for that magical caramelized crust that gives these cookies their signature sparkle and crunch.
How to Make Vegan Puff Pastry Palmiers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Puff Pastry
Start by sprinkling your countertop with a generous amount of sugar; this helps the dough not stick and starts the caramelizing process early. Place your vegan puff pastry sheet on top and sprinkle sugar evenly over the entire surface. This first layer of sugar is going to be pressed into the dough to create that wonderful crispy coating.
Step 2: Roll the Dough
Using a rolling pin, roll the puff pastry out to a rectangle roughly 9 by 15 inches and about a quarter-inch thick. As you roll, the sugar will embed into the dough’s surface, setting the foundation for the palmier’s caramel crunch. Flip the dough over, sprinkle more sugar on the other side, and gently roll again. This double coating ensures every bite has an even sweetness and texture.
Step 3: Trim and Mark the Dough
Use a sharp knife to cut the edges of the pastry so they’re clean and straight. Then, mark a faint line down the center of the rectangle. This line will be your guide for folding the dough symmetrically and creating those iconic heart-shaped palmiers.
Step 4: Fold the Dough Into the Signature Shape
Take one edge of the dough and fold it in just less than a quarter of the way across. Fold it over once more for a double fold. Do the same on the opposite side so both folds meet near the center, creating a small valley between them. Now fold the dough in half, bringing one folded side over the other, forming a log shape. Wrap this log in plastic and pop it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.
Step 5: Slice and Prepare to Bake
While your oven preheats to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough log from the freezer and slice off the uneven ends for clean edges. Cut the log into slices just under a quarter-inch thick. Place each slice onto the baking sheet, gently peeling open the top edge to create a little “V” shape. Leave about 1½ inches of space between each piece, and sprinkle a little extra sugar over the tops for that final sparkle.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Put the baking sheet back into the freezer while the oven heats up—that little chill keeps the palmiers from puffing too quickly. When ready, bake the palmiers on the middle rack for 10 minutes. Then, quick but careful, flip each palmier over and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until both sides are beautifully golden and caramelized. This careful two-sided baking guarantees crispiness and deep caramel notes.
How to Serve Vegan Puff Pastry Palmiers Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, dust your palmiers with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of vegan chocolate. A pinch of cinnamon or ground cardamom sprinkled over the sugar can also elevate the flavor, giving your palmiers a welcoming warmth and a hint of spice.
Side Dishes
These vegan puff pastry palmiers are fantastic alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. For a dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries or dollops of vegan whipped cream for contrast in texture and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the palmiers in a decorative glass jar or arranging them fan-like on a beautiful platter for a whimsical table centerpiece. You can also insert wooden toothpicks to serve them as edible handheld appetizers at brunch or afternoon gatherings, making them both pretty and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to three days — perfect for enjoying a sweet snack over several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep palmiers fresh for longer, freezing is your best friend. Place them in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, you can thaw at room temperature, keeping their texture intact.
Reheating
To bring back their fresh-from-the-oven crisp, reheat palmiers in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought vegan puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought vegan puff pastry works perfectly and saves you a ton of time. Just make sure to check the label for dairy or animal byproducts to keep it fully vegan.
What if I don’t have a rolling pin?
No worries! You can use a clean wine bottle or any cylindrical object to gently roll out the dough. The important part is pressing the sugar into the dough evenly.
How do I prevent the palmiers from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the palmiers lift off easily after baking while maintaining their crispness.
Can I add flavors or spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding cinnamon, vanilla sugar, or even a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar before sprinkling will personalize the palmiers and deepen their flavor profile.
Are Vegan Puff Pastry Palmiers suitable for gluten-free diets?
This recipe uses traditional vegan puff pastry, which often contains gluten. However, if you find a gluten-free vegan puff pastry, you can follow the same steps for a gluten-free treat.
Final Thoughts
Making this Vegan Puff Pastry Palmiers Recipe is like inviting a little piece of French patisserie magic into your home with minimal fuss. It’s a wonderfully simple treat that impresses with every crispy, caramelized bite. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on serving these charming vegan palmiers again and again. Trust me — your friends and family will thank you for sharing such a delicious secret!
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Vegan Puff Pastry Palmiers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These vegan puff pastry palmiers, also known as elephant ears, are irresistibly flaky, buttery, and sweet treats made with just two simple ingredients. Perfect for an elegant dessert or a fun snack, these crispy sugar-coated pastries combine minimal effort with maximum flavor and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 batch vegan puff pastry
- ½ cup sugar (100 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Surface: Sprinkle your countertop generously with sugar to prevent sticking and create a sugary base for the puff pastry.
- Roll Out Pastry: Place the vegan puff pastry on top of the sugared surface. Sprinkle the top side of the dough with sugar as well. Roll the pastry out to a rectangle approximately 9 inches by 15 inches and about 1/4 inch thick, pressing the sugar into the surface.
- Flip and Sugar Again: Flip the pastry over and sprinkle both the top and bottom sides with more sugar. Roll gently again to embed the sugar into the dough evenly.
- Trim Edges: Using a sharp knife, cut the edges off the pastry to create a clean rectangular shape.
- Mark Center and Fold: Lightly mark the center line of the rectangle. Fold one edge inward to a little less than one-quarter of the way. Fold it over again to form a double fold. Repeat the same folding process on the opposite edge, creating two folded edges with a small valley between them.
- Fold in Half and Chill: Fold the dough in half by bringing one folded side over the other, forming a log shape. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Slice the Palmiers: Remove the chilled dough log from the freezer. Cut off the ends for clean edges. Slice the log into pieces slightly less than 1/4 inch thick. Place each slice on the baking sheet, gently opening the top edges into a slight V shape. Leave about 1.5 inches of space between each palmier. Sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar.
- Freeze while Preheating Oven: Place the baking sheet with the prepared palmiers into the freezer while you preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Bake and Flip: Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and bake the palmiers for 10 minutes. Then, working quickly, use a spatula to flip each palmier over. Bake an additional 5 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized.
Notes
- Store the palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate to keep fresh for up to one week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, reheating in a 325°F oven before serving.
