Flaky, golden, and irresistibly sweet, these Mexican-style orejitas cookies (a beloved pan dulce!) are made with just two ingredients and a sprinkle of cinnamon magic.
There’s something magical about opening the oven to a tray of warm, golden orejitas cookies, the sweet scent of caramelized pastry always transports me straight back to childhood.
In many Latin American homes, orejitas (Spanish for “little ears”) are a beloved treat, while the French know them as palmiers. Whether you call them elephant ears cookies, petite palmiers, or simply “those flaky puff pastry swirls,” they’re an elegant yet incredibly easy bake.
From a nutrition coach’s lens, these are the kind of treats I love; portion-friendly, simple ingredients, and easy to make without processed extras. You get a crisp, buttery bite without needing butter in the dough itself!
Ingredients and substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy palmiers recipe; just two main ingredients:
- 1 sheet (320 g / 11 oz) pre-rolled puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)→ Substitution: Use gluten-free puff pastry if needed.
- ¾ cup (150 g) erythritol (or any granulated sugar substitute of choice)→ Coach Tip: You can also use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or monk fruit for a different sweetness profile.
Step-by-Step Method
-
Prepare your pastry base
Lay the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Sprinkle half the erythritol evenly on top.
Coach Tip: Rolling the pastry gently helps the sweetener stick and slightly thins the layers for extra flakiness. -
Flip and repeat
Turn the pastry over and sprinkle the remaining erythritol. Roll gently again until smooth and thin. -
Fold into shape
Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly toward the center. Repeat from the opposite edge so both rolls meet in the middle.
Coach Tip: This signature fold gives you the classic orejas and palmiers heart shape, it’s the hallmark of this French–Latin fusion pastry! -
Slice and arrange
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick pieces. Place on a lined baking tray, spacing them apart to allow expansion. -
Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Coach Tip: Keep an eye on the edges — golden brown and slightly caramelized means they’re just right! -
Cool and enjoy
Let them cool completely to crisp up. Serve with coffee, tea, or as a sweet lunchbox treat
Tips & Variations
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Savory Twist: Try pesto palmiers or palmiers savory with parmesan and herbs for a snackable appetizer.
-
Cinnamon Sugar Upgrade: Add a pinch of cinnamon for cozy flavor.
-
Palmiers Costco Style: Brush with a little butter and sprinkle extra sugar before baking for that glossy finish.
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Mini Version: Cut the roll thinner to make petite palmiers — perfect for gifting or tea parties.
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener? Yes! Erythritol gives a crisp texture, but any granulated sugar works. Avoid liquid sweeteners; they make the dough soggy.
Are these vegan? Most store-bought puff pastries are vegan — just check the label.
What’s the difference between orejas vs palmiers? What are orejitas cookies? They’re essentially the same pastry! “Orejas” is the Spanish name for the smaller, Latin-style version, while “palmiers” are the French classic.
Storage, Serving & Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Serving: Best served with coffee, hot cocoa, or ice cream.
- Reheating: Refresh in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 3–4 minutes to crisp them up again.
Some Useful products I have found for this recipe:
I have used this Erythritol from NKD Living for the last 5 years and it is the best of the best.
Easy Orejitas Palmiers Cookies
Flaky, golden, and irresistibly sweet, these Mexican-style orejitas cookies (a beloved pan dulce!) are made with just two ingredients and a sprinkle of cinnamon magic.
If you grew up in a Latin or Mexican household, chances are you’ve enjoyed these crispy orejitas cookies from a local bakery, that perfect little pan dulce treat that melts in your mouth.
These 2 ingredients cookies are a cross between French palmiers and Latin American orejas, both meaning “little ears.” The French version is buttery and delicate, while the Mexican-style ones tend to be slightly smaller and extra caramelized, perfect for dunking in café con leche.
From a nutrition coach’s perspective, I adore this recipe because it’s portion-controlled and made from wholesome pantry basics. You get all the flavor and nostalgia of dulce pastries without overcomplicating things or overindulging.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (320 g / 11 oz) pre-rolled puff pastry
- ¾ cup (150 g) erythritol
Instructions
Prepare your pastry base
Lay the puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Sprinkle half the erythritol evenly on top.
Flip and repeat
Turn the pastry over and sprinkle the remaining erythritol. Roll gently again until smooth and thin.
Fold into shape
Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly toward the center. Repeat from the opposite edge so both rolls meet in the middle.
Slice and arrange
Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into ½ cm (¼ inch) thick pieces. Place on a lined baking tray, spacing them apart to allow expansion.
Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Cool and enjoy
Let them cool completely to crisp up. Serve with coffee, tea, or as a sweet lunchbox treat.
Notes
- Savory Twist: Try pesto palmiers or palmiers savory with parmesan and herbs for a snackable appetizer.
- Cinnamon Sugar Upgrade: Add a pinch of cinnamon for cozy flavor.
- Palmiers Costco Style: Brush with a little butter and sprinkle extra sugar before baking for that glossy finish.
- Mini Version: Cut the roll thinner to make petite palmiers, perfect for gifting or tea parties.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Total Fat: 4gSodium: 40mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
If you enjoy Easy Pastry Recipes Why Not Try These:
These 2 ingredients cookies prove that baking doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re sharing elephant ears cookies with friends or batch-prepping petite palmiers for your week, they’re a light, crisp reminder that joy can be found in the simplest recipes.
