Mary Berry, the iconic British baking queen, is known for her timeless recipes that marry tradition with elegance. Her Palmiers, often referred to as elephant ears due to their distinctive shape, are delicate French-inspired pastries made from puff pastry, sugar, and sometimes a hint of spice or other fillings. Light, crispy, golden, and deliciously caramelized, Palmiers are a perfect blend of texture and taste.
At first glance, they may appear intricate, but don’t be fooled – this is a recipe of delightful simplicity. Mary Berry’s take on this classic French treat emphasizes accessible ingredients, an easy technique, and a dazzling result that can elevate your afternoon tea or impress guests at a brunch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, Palmiers offer a satisfyingly crispy and sweet reward.
Mary Berry’s Palmiers Recipe
Ingredients Needed
One of the most appealing aspects of Mary Berry’s Palmiers is the incredibly short list of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that signature flakiness and caramel crunch.
Basic Ingredients
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1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry (approx. 320g)
Puff pastry is the backbone of this recipe. Go for all-butter puff pastry for the richest flavor and crispiest layers.
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100g caster sugar
Fine caster sugar is ideal for even caramelization. It melts beautifully without becoming gritty.
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Adds a warm, aromatic twist to the sweetness, giving a hint of spice that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Optional Fillings (if You Want A Variation)
- Finely chopped dark chocolate
- Orange zest
- Crushed nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios)
- Desiccated coconut
These additions can be gently sprinkled over the sugar before rolling to customize the flavor profile of your Palmiers.
Equipment Needed
There’s no need for any fancy equipment, which is one of the joys of this recipe. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- A clean work surface or large cutting board
- Rolling pin (only if you’re using block pastry)
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter
- Baking tray
- Baking parchment or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Spatula or fish slice (for transferring the Palmiers without breaking them)
Optional but helpful:
- Pastry brush (if brushing with melted butter or egg wash, though not required in Mary’s basic version)
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Palmiers
This is where the magic unfolds. The process is deceptively simple, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll likely return to this recipe time and time again.
Step 1: Preheat And Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Line your baking tray with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
Step 2: Prepare The Work Surface
Scatter half the sugar over your clean work surface. Unroll your puff pastry directly on top of the sugar. Sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the top of the pastry. If you’re using cinnamon or any optional fillings, sprinkle those now too.
Step 3: Press And Roll
Gently roll the pastry with a rolling pin to press the sugar into both sides and slightly thin the dough. You’re not trying to change the size drastically – just help the sugar embed into the surface.
Step 4: Fold Into The Palmier Shape
Here’s the signature move:
- Starting from one long edge, fold the pastry inwards by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Repeat from the opposite long edge.
- Do this folding once more on each side so the two folds almost meet in the middle.
- Then, fold one half over the other, creating a log with layered folds – it should resemble a closed book.
You should now have a long pastry log with a double scroll shape on each end – the classic Palmier form.
Step 5: Slice And Arrange
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into slices about 1 cm thick. Arrange them cut-side up on the prepared tray, spacing them out well – they will puff up and expand in the oven.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the Palmiers are puffed and golden. Midway through baking, you can carefully flip them using a spatula to ensure even caramelization on both sides.
Step 7: Cool And Serve
Once beautifully golden and crisp, transfer the Palmiers to a wire rack to cool. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down. Serve as-is or dust with a little icing sugar for an extra flourish.
Tips And Tricks
To really master Mary Berry’s Palmiers, keep these handy tips in mind:
1. Keep The Pastry Cold
If the puff pastry gets too warm while handling, it can become sticky and difficult to work with. Chill it briefly if needed before folding or slicing.
2. Use All-butter Puff Pastry
Flavor matters! All-butter pastry yields the richest taste and best texture.
3. Try Flavored Sugars
Add vanilla bean seeds, orange zest, or a hint of cardamom to your sugar mix for a gourmet twist.
4. Don’t Overfill
If you’re adding extras like chocolate or nuts, be conservative – too much can make rolling difficult and prevent the classic shape from forming well.
5. Flip For Caramel Magic
Flipping the Palmiers halfway through baking helps achieve that irresistible caramel glaze on both sides.
6. Watch Closely Near The End
Sugar burns quickly! Keep an eye on your pastries during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from tipping over from golden to charred.
Mary Berry’s Palmiers are a beautiful demonstration of how a few quality ingredients and thoughtful technique can result in an impressive, elegant treat. Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea, looking for a quick sweet to serve guests, or simply craving a buttery bite with your coffee, these crisp spirals are guaranteed to delight.
What makes them even more special is their versatility – from sweet cinnamon-sugar classics to creative versions with chocolate, nuts, or citrus zest, there’s so much room to play. With Mary Berry’s trusted method as your base, you’re just a few folds away from creating something truly spectacular.
So grab that puff pastry, scatter that sugar, and let the oven work its golden magic. Bon appétit!
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Palmiers
Mary Berry’s Palmiers, with their irresistible crispness and caramelized sugar coating, are a classic French-inspired treat that’s surprisingly simple yet elegant. The basic recipe involves puff pastry and sugar, but this simplicity opens up a world of creative possibilities for easy recipe variations that can elevate these buttery delights to new heights.
One delightful variation is to incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg into the sugar coating before sprinkling it on the pastry. This adds a warm, aromatic depth, turning the humble palmier into a cozy, spiced treat perfect for autumn afternoons or festive occasions. Alternatively, try mixing in a touch of finely ground espresso powder with the sugar for a subtle coffee kick that pairs beautifully with a morning cup of coffee or an after-dinner digestif.
For those with a sweet tooth craving more indulgence, consider brushing the puff pastry lightly with melted butter before adding the sugar. This extra step enhances the richness and helps the sugar caramelize more deeply. To take it a notch further, fold in finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
If you want to experiment with savory twists, try sprinkling the pastry with a mix of grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper instead of sugar before baking. The result is a delicate, crisp cheese-flavored snack, perfect as an appetizer or paired with a glass of chilled white wine.
For a fruity take, spread a thin layer of apricot jam or fig preserves onto the dough before sprinkling the sugar and rolling it up. This adds a luscious fruity sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the caramelized exterior and buttery layers.
Finally, chocolate lovers can sprinkle mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs along with the sugar before rolling the pastry. When baked, the chocolate melts slightly and adds a rich, decadent element that pairs perfectly with the crisp, flaky texture of the palmier.
These variations are incredibly easy to incorporate and can be tailored to suit your mood, season, or the occasion. The beauty of Mary Berry’s palmiers lies in their versatility-whether sweet, spiced, nutty, fruity, or savory, they always deliver a stunning balance of texture and flavor.
Storing Leftovers
Palmiers, with their delicate crispness, demand thoughtful storage to maintain their iconic crunch and flavor. Storing leftovers properly ensures that you can savor these little pieces of flaky heaven long after baking, without the disappointment of soggy or stale pastry.
The first rule for storing palmiers is to let them cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. This step is crucial because trapping warmth and moisture inside a container too early invites sogginess. Once fully cooled, place the palmiers in an airtight container to shield them from humidity and air exposure, both of which can quickly degrade their crisp texture.
If you have a single layer of palmiers, simply arrange them in the container with parchment paper or wax paper between layers if stacking is necessary. This prevents them from sticking together or breaking. Store the container in a cool, dry place-avoid the refrigerator as the cold environment tends to introduce moisture, which softens the pastry.
For longer-term storage, palmiers freeze well. After cooling, wrap them individually or in small batches in cling film or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature. To refresh their crispness, pop them into a preheated oven at around 160°C (320°F) for 3-5 minutes-keep a close eye to avoid burning. This brief warming reactivates the caramelized sugar and restores that irresistible crunch.
Avoid storing palmiers in humid environments or airtight containers without proper cooling, as moisture is their nemesis. With careful storage, your leftovers can stay deliciously crisp and flavorful for up to a week at room temperature, or up to three months frozen.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Palmiers?
Mary Berry’s palmiers are delightful on their own, but pairing them thoughtfully can transform them into a truly memorable culinary experience. Their buttery, caramelized sweetness and crisp texture make them remarkably versatile accompaniments to both sweet and savory items.
For a luxurious afternoon tea, serve palmiers alongside a selection of fine teas-think classic Earl Grey, floral jasmine, or a delicate Darjeeling. The light bitterness and aromatic notes of tea beautifully balance the rich sweetness of the pastry, creating a harmonious flavor dance.
If you’re looking to pair them with something creamy, a dollop of clotted cream or a lightly whipped vanilla mascarpone offers a luscious contrast to the crisp, caramelized layers. For a fresh, fruity note, add slices of ripe strawberries, raspberries, or fresh figs. The freshness and slight tartness brighten the palate, complementing the sugar caramelization.
Palmiers also work wonderfully as a sophisticated dessert component. Try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce. The combination of crunchy, sweet pastry with cold, creamy ice cream is pure indulgence.
For savory pairings, if you’ve made the cheese or spice variation, they become fantastic with charcuterie boards. Pair them with mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert, thin slices of cured meats, olives, and pickles. The contrasting textures and flavors elevate your snacking experience to something quite special and refined.
Lastly, consider pairing palmiers with a light, sparkling wine or a crisp Prosecco for celebrations. The bubbles cut through the richness and the festive vibe complements the elegance of the pastry.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s palmiers are much more than just a simple pastry- they are a celebration of buttery, caramelized, flaky perfection that invites endless creativity. Whether you stick to the classic sugar-dusted original or explore the exciting world of flavor variations, these elegant treats deliver a satisfying crunch and irresistible flavor every time.
Properly storing leftover palmiers ensures you can enjoy their signature texture and taste long after the oven timer has stopped ticking. With just a bit of care, the crispness and caramelized goodness remain intact, ready to be rediscovered with every bite.
Pairing palmiers thoughtfully enhances their charm-whether as a companion to your favorite tea, a partner to fresh fruit and cream, a dessert sidekick to ice cream, or a savory nibble on a cheese board. These versatile pastries are an ideal canvas for both sweet and savory culinary adventures.
In the end, Mary Berry’s palmiers invite you to enjoy a simple but sophisticated treat that delights the senses and brings a touch of elegance to everyday moments or special occasions. So go ahead-bake, experiment, share, and savor these little golden wonders.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Mary Berry’s Palmiers Recipe?
For Mary Berry’s palmiers, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: puff pastry, caster sugar, and optionally, some ground cinnamon. These ingredients come together to create a sweet, buttery, and flaky treat that’s perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Mary Berry recommends using good-quality puff pastry, as it makes a big difference in texture and flavor.
How Do I Make Mary Berry’s Palmiers From Start To Finish?
To make Mary Berry’s palmiers, start by rolling out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Sprinkle an even layer of caster sugar (and cinnamon if desired) over the pastry. Fold each edge of the pastry towards the center, and then fold again to create a ‘book’ shape. Cut the pastry into slices and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. The palmiers will puff up beautifully during baking, creating a caramelized outer layer. Make sure to keep an eye on them as they bake, as they can brown quickly.
Can I Prepare Mary Berry’s Palmiers Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s palmiers ahead of time! You can roll out and shape the palmiers in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the pastry keep its shape while cooling in the fridge. If you want to store baked palmiers, they can be kept in an airtight container for a couple of days, though they are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. You can also freeze the unbaked palmiers and bake them straight from the freezer-just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
