Classic Palmiers

Sep 17, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Pastries doughnuts Vanilla: Extract Medium

Classic palmiers on parchment, showing crisp, flaky, deep golden layers

Delicate, crispy puff pastries coated in a sweet vanilla-scented sugar caramelize to golden perfection, making these Classic Palmiers an elegant treat for any occasion.

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Cooling 20 min

Total 55 min

Yield 10 pastries

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

pastries

1.0 lb (454.0 g)all-butter puff pastry, cold
1.0 large (50.0 g)egg, for egg wash
1.0 tbsp (15.0 ml)water, for egg wash
½ cup (100.0 g)granulated sugar
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract

Make it at home

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cold puff pastry into a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches (25 by 30 cm).
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the sugar is aromatic and evenly scented.
Brush the surface of the puff pastry lightly with water to help sugar stick, then evenly sprinkle the vanilla sugar over the entire surface, pressing gently with your hands or rolling pin to adhere the sugar firmly.
Starting from the short edges of the rectangle, roll each side tightly toward the center to form two scrolls that meet in the middle.
Wrap the rolled dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up the dough for easier slicing.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and carefully slice into approximately 1/3-inch (8 mm) thick slices.
Place the cut slices flat on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow for spreading.
Lightly beat the egg with water to make the egg wash, and brush it gently over the tops and edges of each palmier to enhance browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and deep golden brown and caramelized.
Transfer the palmiers to a wire rack to cool completely; they will crisp up as they cool.
Serve as a delicate, buttery, vanilla-scented treat with tea or coffee.

Tips

Ensure the puff pastry is cold before working to achieve maximum flakiness and easier handling when rolling and slicing.
Use real pure vanilla extract in the sugar coating for authentic vanilla flavor and avoid artificial vanilla flavored sugars.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make classic palmiers?

Plan on 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, plus 20 minutes to chill. The recipe makes about 10 palmiers.

How should I store classic palmiers?

Store palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness. If they soften, re-crisp briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes.

Can I make classic palmiers ahead?

Roll and slice the dough ahead, store chilled, then bake fresh when needed for best texture.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Delicate, crispy puff pastries coated in a sweet vanilla-scented sugar caramelize to golden perfection, making these Classic Palmiers an elegant treat for any occasion.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 10 servings this recipe makes.

303 Calories / serving

17.9g Fat

31.0g Carbs

4.2g Protein

10.4g Sugar

Whole recipe (10 servings): ~3030 cal · 179g fat · 310g carbs · 42g protein · 104g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 303 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 57 min·3.3 mi·~6650 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 41 min·2.1 mi·~4100 steps
Moderate cycling 31 min·6.2 mi
Swimming laps 42 min
Jogging 30 min·2.5 mi·~4800 steps
Stair climbing 28 min·~2500 steps
Dancing 49 min
Bodyweight circuit training 31 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 70 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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