Homemade Prussians (Palmiers) Recipe

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Prussians (Palmiers)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Since Palmiers bake at a high temperature, this helps the dough to puff up and become golden brown and crispy. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, allow it to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out. Unfold the puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface or a lightly floured countertop. Gently roll the dough to smooth out any creases, ensuring it’s about 1/8-inch thick. You want to create an even, rectangular shape for the best results.

Step 3: Sprinkle Sugar on the Dough

Now it’s time to sweeten the dough! Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar (about 1/4 cup) all over the surface of the pastry sheet. Use your hands or a rolling pin to lightly press the sugar into the dough. If you want to add extra flavor, you can sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch.

Step 4: Fold the Pastry

This is the key step that will create the signature “palm leaf” shape of the Prussians. Starting from each edge of the pastry sheet, gently fold both sides inward toward the center. You want to fold them so that the edges meet in the middle, but don’t overlap. You can also fold them a little tighter to make smaller, more compact pastries. The result should look like a long, thin rectangle with sugar exposed on the inside.

Step 5: Cut the Dough

Once you’ve folded both sides of the pastry, it’s time to slice it into individual portions. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the folded dough into about 1-inch slices. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that they are spaced out evenly to allow room for them to puff up as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Prussians

Now that your Prussians are shaped and ready, it’s time to bake them! Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip the pastries halfway through the baking time to ensure even caramelization and crispiness on both sides.

Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as they can brown quickly. The sugar in the dough will start to caramelize, creating that beautiful, golden color that’s characteristic of a perfect Prussian.

Step 7: Let Them Cool and Serve

Once your Prussians are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will allow the caramelized sugar to set. Once cooled slightly, serve your homemade Prussians warm, or let them cool completely before serving. These delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert after dinner.

Tips for Perfect Prussians (Palmiers)

1. Use cold puff pastry: If you’re making the dough yourself, make sure it’s well-chilled before use. This ensures that it stays flaky when baked.
2. Experiment with fillings: While the classic version is simply sugar and puff pastry, you can get creative with flavorings. Try adding a thin spread of chocolate, almond paste, or even orange zest to the dough before folding it.
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4. Watch the sugar: Be careful when handling sugar on the dough—it can burn if overbaked. If you notice the sugar beginning to darken too quickly, reduce the heat slightly or check on the pastries more frequently toward the end of baking.
5. Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures that the caramelized sugar doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easier to remove the pastries without any mess.
6. Serving suggestion: Pair these crisp, sweet pastries with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for an elegant and satisfying treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Prussians (Palmiers) are incredibly versatile and simple to make with just a few ingredients. The combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry and sweet caramelized sugar is irresistible, and they make for a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast with a hot drink or serve them as a charming after-dinner treat, Prussians are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, next time you’re craving a delicate, buttery pastry, skip the store-bought options and try making your own homemade Prussians. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create a batch of crispy, golden treats that are far superior to anything you’ll find in a bakery. Happy baking!