Moving on to the next holiday cookies, we have the simplest scookies that can be made with only 2 ingredients: French Heart Cookies, also known as Palmier cookies. These cookies, sometimes referred to as elephant ear cookies, have a breathtaking heart shape. They are flaky, crispy, and have a golden amber hue from the caramelized sugar, making them an excellent choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
(scroll down for the full recipe)
The Palmier cookie, also known as the "elephant ear" in some regions, is a delightful pastry that originates from French cuisine. This exquisite treat is made from a simple yet versatile dough that consists primarily of flour, butter, and sugar. The dough is rolled out and then folded multiple times to create layers, which, when baked, result in a beautifully flaky and crispy texture. The name "Palmier" comes from the French word for palm tree, as the shape of the cookie resembles the leaves of this tropical plant. The preparation of Palmier cookies involves a process called laminating, where the dough is repeatedly rolled and folded to incorporate air and create those distinct layers. Once the dough is prepared, it is generously sprinkled with sugar, which caramelizes during baking, giving the cookies their signature golden-brown color and a sweet, crunchy exterior.
No need to stress about preparing the dough and rolling it multiple times. There's a significant shortcut for making homemade French heart cookies: using "store-bought puff pastry." Simply take a sheet of store-bought puff pastry and some sugar, and you're all set. You can prepare the rolled French heart cookies and keep them in the freezer. Bake them just before serving or gifting to someone. They taste best when they're freshly baked.
I'm a huge fan of French heart cookies. However, the ones you buy from the market are often disappointing and vary in taste from store to store. Only a few stores near my home do these cookies justice; the rest are quite bad. That's when I decided to try making them at home. And wow! They taste divine when freshly baked. I haven't tasted palmier cookies from France because I've never been there, but so far, homemade French heart cookies are the best!
Things to note for a perfect French heart cookie:
Preheating the Oven: This is an extremely crucial step! You must preheat the oven to 230 degrees Celsius. The cookies are cooked using a high-temperature blast in the oven, which caramelizes the sugar and makes the exterior crispy.
Puff pastry sheet: Purchase a high-quality pre-made puff pastry. Pre-made puff pastries are typically kept in the freezer section, so be sure to thaw the puff pastry for approximately 40-50 minutes before using it. When I mention thawed puff pastry, it should not be frozen but rather cold and flexible, yet not at room temperature. Living in a tropical area, it took me less than 30 minutes to thaw.
Sugar: Avoid using powdered or fine sugar; opt for regular granulated sugar to achieve the desired texture.
Freezing the cookies: They are most delicious when freshly baked. You can freeze the prepared dough in advance, then slice and bake it as needed.
French Heart Cookies Makes 25-26 cookies
Ingredients:
Store-bought puff pastry sheet (400g in weight) - 1 no
Granulated sugar - 1/2 cup
Method:
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar onto a clean kitchen surface and spread it to align with the dimensions of the puff pastry sheet.
Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet over the sugar. Then, using a rolling pin, gently press the sheet to ensure the sugar sticks to it.
Next, sprinkle the rest of the sugar over the puff pastry sheet and lightly press it down with the rolling pin.
Now, from one side of the sheet, gently fold towards the center of the sheet. Do the same on the other side.
Fold the sides that have already been folded into the center once more. Then, fold it one final time as if closing a book. Wrap the dough in parchment paper and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden before cutting.
Preheat the oven to 230 degrees Celsius.
After 30 minutes, take out the dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring there is sufficient space between each one. Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes.
Remove the baking tray and quickly flip the cookies, then bake for an additional 6-7 minutes or until they become golden brown. Flip them immediately, as the cookies will stick to the parchment paper once the sugar cools.
Once baked, promptly move the cookies from the baking tray to a cooling rack with a spatula while they are still very hot. This prevents them from sticking to the parchment paper because of sugar caramelization.
Detailed illustration photos of folding puff pastry to create perfect French heart cookies
Step 1: From one side of the sheet, gently fold towards the center of the sheet.
Step 2: Do the same on the other side.
Step 3: Fold the sides that have already been folded into the center once more
Step 4: fold it one final time as if closing a book.
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