French Palmier Cookies with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttery puff pastry cookies rolled with a cinnamon brown sugar filling baked until golden and crisp. This French-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers frozen puff pastry, unsalted butter, brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 18, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 18 French cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup packed brown sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
  3. Step 3: Lightly brush the thawed puff pastry sheet with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon brown sugar mixture on top, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Starting from the long edges, tightly roll both sides of the pastry inward towards the center until they meet, forming a double spiral.
  5. Step 5: Wrap the rolled pastry in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
  6. Step 6: Remove the roll and slice into 1/4-inch thick slices using a sharp knife, laying each cut flat on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the tops lightly with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  8. Step 8: Flip the cookies over halfway through baking for even crispness. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does French Palmier Cookies with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover French Palmier Cookies with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in French Palmier Cookies with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale French Palmier Cookies with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 18 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 18). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with French Palmier Cookies with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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