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Orejas (sweet puffy palmiers) are crisp little cookies with endless possibilities, you will not believe how easy these are to make. Puff pastry sweetened with sugar and baked until the sugar has caramelized and is light and fluffy.
What is Orejas?
Orejas is a sweet treat made from puff pastry, sugar, and cinnamon and is common in panaderías found throughout Mexico. Orejas are also called Elephant Ears, and Palmiers.
Origin of Orejas
Did you know that this delicious dessert was actually brought to Mexico by the French? They also introduced a bunch of other breads (pan dulce) and pastries! Some people have even said that they look like a palm leaf shape, hence the French name “palmiers.”
Here are some Mexican dessert recipes you will love…sopapillas, Mexican conchas, marranitos (piggy), and Mexican sugar cookies
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How to Make Orejas (Sweet Puffy Palmiers)
This recipe takes only 3 ingredients to a light, fluffy pastry treat.
Start with thawing puff pastry for 40-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine sugar and spices. Set aside.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread about 1/4 cup of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on it, roughly in the shape of the puff pastry. Transfer the defrosted puff pastry to the baking sheet on top of the sugar mixture. Spread the remaining ¼ cup of sugar mixture liberally over the top of the puff pastry.
Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the puff pastry both horizontally and vertically, which will cement the sugar into the pastry.
Fold the puff pastry inward from the edges to meet in the middle. Then fold again, in half.
With a sharp knife, cut half-inch slices and transfer them to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 6-7 minutes on one side and flip for another 4-5 minutes
Remove from oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack.
Ways to Serve
Orejas can be dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with caramel syrup, and serve with Cafe de Olla
Storing Orejas (Sweet Puffy Palmiers)
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Can you freeze Orejas? You can freeze unbaked orejas by placing sliced dough on a sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.
More Desserts to Make
- Delicious Pumpkin Empanadas: A Perfect Sweet Treat Recipe
- Delicious Mantecadas: Step-by-Step Muffin Recipe
- Refreshing Mexican Fresas con Crema Dessert
Orejas (Sweet Puffy Palmiers)
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet for 40-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine sugar and spices. Set aside.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread about ¼ cup of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on it, roughly in the shape of the puff pastry.
- Transfer the defrosted puff pastry to the baking sheet on top of the sugar mixture. Spread the remaining ¼ cup of sugar mixture liberally over the top of the puff pastry.
- Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the puff pastry both horizontally and vertically, which will cement the sugar into the pastry.
- Remove parchment paper. Fold the puff pastry inward from the edges to meet in the middle. Then fold again, in half. With a sharp knife, cut half-inch slices and transfer them to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes on one side and flip for another 4-5 minutes
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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