There’s something irresistibly heartwarming about the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the kitchen. Imagine pulling a tray of fluffy, golden-brown palmiers from the oven, their crisp layers shimmering with melted sugar and spices. The flaky texture gives way to a sweet surprise with every bite. These Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers don’t just look stunning — they carry a symphony of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers

Growing up, I remember my mom baking special treats on Valentine’s Day. She filled the house with delightful scents that made our hearts flutter. These palmiers tie those cherished memories of love and sweetness into one bite. Perfect for sharing with your special someone or indulging a little yourself, these palmiers are a delightful addition to your Valentine’s celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some magic together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just an hour of prep and bake time, you’ll have these tasty cookies ready in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Savor the delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, perfectly balanced by a splash of orange zest — it’s a flavor explosion!
Eye-Catching Appeal: These palmiers are not just treats; they’re works of art that impress anyone who sees them.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them at breakfast with coffee, as a light snack, or serve them at parties for a festive touch!
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for vegan options? You can easily substitute with plant-based butter and sugar alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen puff pastry (2 sheets): This dough forms the delightful base for our palmiers. Store-bought is perfect for convenience and saves time.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: The sweet backbone of the pastry, creating a delectable caramelized exterior. For a deeper flavor, consider using turbinado sugar.
2 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This warming spice brings a familiar and cozy taste to each bite.
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a lovely depth — fresh ground is always ideal when possible.
1 teaspoon ground cardamom: This slightly floral spice elevates the flavor profile. If you don’t have cardamom, a bit of allspice can work in a pinch.
2 teaspoons orange zest (optional): The zest brightens the entire pastry, lending a refreshing citrus note. You can omit this for a more traditional flavor.

How to Make Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers

Prepare Your Dough: Begin by preparing homemade rough puff pastry and chilling it in the refrigerator. If you opt for store-bought frozen puff pastry, make sure it’s fully thawed before moving forward. This chilling is critical as it helps prevent excess spreading during baking.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Divide this mixture into two bowls. Stir the orange zest into one bowl; you’ll use this mixture later as a delightful filling.

Sugar the Surface: On a clean work surface, generously sprinkle the first bowl of sugar spice mixture. Dust your rolling pin with the mixture too, creating a sweet barrier to avoid sticking. Roll out the dough into a 10-inch square, using more sugar spice as necessary to keep everything smooth and manageable.

Add the Filling: Spread half of the sugar spice mixture with orange zest evenly onto the rolled-out dough. To really incorporate the flavors, gently run the rolling pin over the filling. Cut a small slit at the bottom center for guidance for rolling.

Roll It Up: Now, tightly roll the left edge towards the center, then follow with the right edge. Be careful to keep your roll compact! Encase the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Repeat this process with the second half of dough, ensuring you keep everything chilled to maintain that lovely puff.

Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat your oven to 400°F (204°C). While waiting, prepare 2-3 baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. Keeping the baking surface ready will ensure even baking and easy cleanup.

Slice the Logs: Unwrap the chilled logs from the fridge. Trim both ends to make them even before slicing each log into approximately 3/8 inch slices. If they begin to unravel, simply roll them back together. You should end up with around 36 to 40 delightful cookies — perfect for sharing!

Bake to Perfection: Arrange your sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart, and dust any remaining sugar spice mixture over the tops. Bake for about 8-9 minutes until they start puffing up. Then gently flip each cookie over for even browning. Continue baking for another 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye for that perfect golden hue.

Cool Down: Once baked to a golden beauty, remove from the oven. Let the palmiers cool for about 5 minutes on the sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or simply enjoy them warm!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To enjoy, simply reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and crisp again, remembering that the texture might soften slightly after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Roll your dough evenly. Keeping a consistent thickness will ensure uniform baking.
Keep the logs chilled before slicing. This helps maintain their shape and ensures clean cuts.
Don’t skip on the sugar mixture! It adds essential flavor and creates that beautiful caramelization on the outside.
Experiment with unique spice blends, like a hint of clove or ginger, to personalize this recipe.
Consider making a double batch! They freeze beautifully and are always a welcome treat.

There’s something oh-so-special about making your own Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers. They combine nostalgia, creativity, and the joy of sharing delightful, homemade pastries with others. I encourage you to play around with flavors, perhaps adding a dash of your favorite spice or a unique twist. Enjoy the process as much as the outcome, and watch these scrumptious treats make hearts flutter!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pastry?

Absolutely! While rough puff pastry offers delightful flakiness, you can use phyllo dough for a lighter and crispier version. Just layer the phyllo, brush with butter, and sprinkle sugar mixture before folding them in as you would with puff pastry.

What can I serve with these palmiers?

These palmiers are fabulous on their own but pair beautifully with a selection of tea or coffee. For a more substantial dessert, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.

How can I customize the flavors?

Feel free to switch up the spices based on your taste preferences! For a more exotic flavor, use ginger or anise; or swap out the orange zest for lemon or even a bit of almond extract for a nutty twist.

How do I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the logs of dough up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the logs and slice them fresh when ready to bake, ensuring that you maintain the maximum flakiness and freshness of your palmiers.

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Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 36-40 palmiers 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

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Description

Experience the delightful combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom in these Valentine Cinnamon & Spice Palmiers. Perfect for sharing on special occasions or treating yourself, these easy-to-make pastries are guaranteed to impress with their flaky texture and sweet filling.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen puff pastry (2 sheets)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare your dough by chilling homemade puff pastry or thawing store-bought pastry.
Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom in a bowl, dividing into two portions.
Sugar the surface and roll out the pastry onto a dusted workspace.
Spread half of the sugar mixture evenly over the dough and gently press it in.
Roll the edges of the dough towards the center tightly and refrigerate the log.
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare baking sheets for cookies.
Slice the chilled logs into approximately 3/8 inch pieces and place them on the sheets.
Bake for 8-9 minutes, flip, then bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Cool the palmiers on a wire rack before serving.