Peppermint Palmiers
These peppermint palmiers are the perfect holiday cookie with their crispy, buttery layers and festive candy cane flavor. Made with store-bought puff pastry, they come together in just 30 minutes and look incredibly impressive on any dessert table.
The beautiful swirl shape isn’t just pretty; it creates multiple flaky layers in every bite. Each palmier is coated in crushed peppermint candy that caramelizes slightly as it bakes, adding a delightful crunch and sweet minty flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or need a last-minute gift, these French-inspired cookies deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peppermint palmiers require only four simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on prep time. The puff pastry does all the heavy lifting, creating those signature crispy, flaky layers without any complicated folding techniques.
These cookies are incredibly versatile for holiday gatherings. They can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for busy baking schedules.
The combination of buttery pastry and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor that’s festive without being overly sweet. Kids and adults alike love the candy cane crunch and beautiful spiral shape.]
Read More: Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, especially during the holiday season.
For the Palmiers:
Optional Add-ins:
How to Make Peppermint Palmiers
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This high temperature is essential for achieving that perfect golden, crispy texture.
Unfold your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to smooth any creases, creating a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar and crushed peppermint. Press the peppermint pieces gently into the dough so they stick.
Rolling the Palmiers:
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. The edges should be crispy and the peppermint slightly melted into the pastry.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool.
Peppermint Palmiers
Course: DessertCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy24
palmiers15
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minutesCrispy, buttery puff pastry cookies swirled with crushed candy canes for the perfect festive treat.
Ingredients
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8 ounces), thawed
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
All-purpose flour for dusting
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to smooth creases into a 10×12 inch rectangle.
- Brush entire surface with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with sugar and crushed peppermint, pressing gently to adhere.
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll pastry toward the center. Repeat with opposite side until both rolls meet in the middle.
- Wrap the double roll in plastic wrap and freeze for 15 minutes until firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into ½-inch thick rounds. Place cut-side up on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and caramelized around the edges.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked sliced palmiers for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2 to 3 minutes to baking time.
Candy Crushing Tip: Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.
Even Baking: Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for uniform golden color.
Nutrition (Per Palmier)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 78 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 1g |
Tips for Perfect Palmiers
Keep your puff pastry cold throughout the process. If it gets too warm and sticky, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.
Use a sharp chef’s knife or serrated knife to slice through the frozen roll. A dull knife will squash the delicate layers and ruin the spiral shape.
Don’t skip the freezing step; it makes slicing clean rounds so much easier. The firmer the dough, the better your palmiers will hold their shape during baking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Store cooled palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze unbaked sliced palmiers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and can be baked straight from frozen.
If your baked palmiers lose their crispness, refresh them in a 350°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Let them cool completely before serving for maximum crunch.
Flavor Variations to Try
Swap the peppermint for other crushed hard candies like butterscotch or cinnamon for different flavor profiles. The technique remains exactly the same.
Create a chocolate version by spreading Nutella on the pastry before sprinkling with sugar. Skip the peppermint and add mini chocolate chips instead.
For a sophisticated twist, use brown sugar instead of white and add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. The caramel notes pair beautifully with the buttery pastry.
Serving Suggestions
These palmiers shine on holiday cookie platters alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies. Their elegant appearance makes the whole spread look more sophisticated.
Serve them with hot chocolate, coffee, or peppermint tea for a cozy winter treat. The crispy texture is perfect for dipping.
Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for homemade holiday gifts. They transport well and stay fresh for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry works beautifully and may even give you more layers. Just make sure it’s rolled to the same thickness as store-bought (about â…› inch thick) for consistent baking times.
Why are my palmiers not holding their shape?
The most common reason is that the dough wasn’t cold enough when sliced. Always freeze the rolled pastry for at least 15 minutes, and if your kitchen is warm, freeze for up to 30 minutes. Use a very sharp knife and slice in one clean motion without sawing.
Can I make these without peppermint?
Yes! Classic palmiers use just cinnamon sugar, or you can try vanilla sugar, lemon zest with sugar, or even everything bagel seasoning for a savory version. The rolling and baking technique stays exactly the same regardless of the flavoring you choose.
