Peppermint Palmiers

Oh my gosh, you guys! Have you ever tried a cookie that melts in your mouth and tastes like winter magic? Peppermint Palmiers are exactly that—sweet, crispy, and totally irresistible.

I tried making them last week, and wow, the peppermint aroma filled my kitchen! They are super easy but look fancy, and honestly, everyone will think you spent hours baking.

Imagine biting into a buttery, crunchy cookie with a hint of peppermint—so cozy and festive! I promise, you’ll want a whole tray all to yourself.

So grab some puff pastry and candy canes, and let’s make these little peppermint wonders together. Trust me, it’s way more fun than it sounds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Yet Easy: These cookies look fancy but are incredibly simple to make with store-bought puff pastry.
• Festive Flavors: The combination of buttery layers and peppermint sugar makes for a refreshing, holiday-appropriate treat.
• Quick and Impressive: Ready in under an hour, these cookies are perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
• Customizable: Add chocolate drizzle, crushed candy canes, or festive sprinkles for extra flair.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies travel well, making them a fantastic edible gift!

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies:

• Rolling Pin: For evenly rolling out the puff pastry.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the peppermint sugar and keep the layers moist.
• Baking Sheet: A large sheet pan lined with parchment paper to bake the cookies.
• Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: For slicing the palmiers cleanly.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the peppermint sugar.

Ingredients

These cookies require only a handful of ingredients, and most are likely already in your kitchen:

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Store-bought works beautifully, but ensure it’s thawed for easy handling.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and caramelization.
• Peppermint Extract: Infuses the cookies with a fresh, minty aroma.
• Crushed Peppermint Candy or Candy Canes (Optional): Adds crunch and extra holiday vibes.

Variations for Peppermint Palmiers

Elevate your palmiers with these fun variations:

1. Chocolate Peppermint Palmiers: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the baked cookies for added decadence.
2. Spiced Palmiers: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar for a warm, cozy twist.
3. Candy Cane Crunch: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
4. Vanilla-Mint Swirl: Replace half the peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a softer flavor profile.
5. Colored Sugar: Use red or green sanding sugar to give your palmiers a festive touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppermint Sugar

• In a small bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon peppermint extract.
• Stir well to evenly distribute the flavor. The sugar should have a light peppermint aroma.

Optional: Stir in 2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes for extra crunch.

2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry

• Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
• Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out into a rectangle, roughly 10×12 inches.
• Brush the surface lightly with water to help the sugar stick.

3. Apply the Peppermint Sugar

• Sprinkle an even layer of the peppermint sugar mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry.
• Gently press the sugar into the pastry with your rolling pin to help it adhere.

4. Fold and Shape

• Starting from the long edges, roll each side of the puff pastry inward until they meet in the center, creating a scroll-like shape.
• Wrap the rolled pastry tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This step ensures clean cuts and prevents spreading during baking.

5. Slice and Arrange

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the chilled pastry into ½-inch thick slices.
• Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

6. Bake the Palmiers

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and caramelized.
• Flip the cookies halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

7. Cool and Decorate

• Transfer the baked palmiers to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, or dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

Peppermint Palmiers are versatile and shine on any dessert table. Here’s how to serve and decorate them:

1. Cookie Platters: Pair with other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies and shortbread for a colorful assortment.
2. Hot Cocoa Companion: Serve alongside a warm mug of peppermint hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.
3. Gift Boxes: Package in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
4. Holiday Centerpiece: Stack the cookies in a tiered arrangement and garnish with fresh mint leaves and candy canes for a stunning display.

Storing Peppermint Palmiers

These cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheat: For that fresh-baked crispness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	110
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	75mg
Total Carbohydrate	12g
Sugars	6g
Protein	1g

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s equal parts easy, festive, and delicious, Peppermint Palmiers are the answer. These buttery, flaky cookies infused with peppermint make a stunning addition to your holiday baking lineup. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting homemade treats, or simply indulging in the joy of the season, this recipe will not disappoint.