Gluten Free Palmier Recipe
Introduction
These gluten-free palmiers are delicate, flaky pastries with a caramelized sugar crust that offers a perfect balance of crispiness and sweetness. Made with gluten-free puff pastry and a touch of cinnamon sugar, they are an elegant treat ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients
- Glorious gluten free puff pastry
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, turbinado sugar, or demerara sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and allow it to come to a cool room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Sprinkle a good handful of sugar onto your counter. Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle about ⅛ inch thick, adding more sugar on top or bottom of the pastry to keep it from sticking.
- Step 3: Fold the pastry in half lengthwise just to mark the middle, then unfold. Fold each side halfway to the middle, then fold again to reach the middle, leaving a small gap of about ¼ inch between the folds to allow it to fold over itself. You can place a long ruler or straight edge in the middle to maintain the gap. Finally, fold one side over the other to complete the folding.
- Step 4: Wrap the folded pastry in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, but no longer than an hour.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400° F. Remove the pastry from the refrigerator and unwrap; it may be slightly tacky from the sugar. Slice into ½-inch thick slices.
- Step 6: Dip each side of each slice into more sugar and place the slices at least 2-3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Step 7: Carefully flip the palmiers over and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Tips & Variations
- Use turbinado or demerara sugar for a deeper caramel flavor and crunch.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar for a warm, fragrant twist.
- Make sure the puff pastry is cold before slicing to prevent the layers from sticking or losing shape.
- Try dipping slices in melted chocolate after baking for an indulgent variation.
Storage
Store palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigerating as moisture can soften the texture. Reheat gently in a low oven for a few minutes if desired to restore crispness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular puff pastry instead of gluten free?
Yes, regular puff pastry can be used if gluten is not a concern. The baking process and results will be very similar.
Can I prepare palmiers ahead of time?
You can prepare and slice the dough, then refrigerate it wrapped up for up to an hour before baking. For best results, bake and eat palmiers the same day as they are crispest fresh.
PrintGluten Free Palmier Recipe
This Gluten Free Palmier recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic French pastry by using gluten free puff pastry and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. These crispy, caramelized cookies are perfect for those avoiding gluten yet craving a buttery, flaky treat. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and baked to golden perfection, these palmiers are an elegant and simple dessert or snack option.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 20 palmiers 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet glorious gluten free puff pastry
Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, turbinado sugar, or demerara sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove the gluten free puff pastry from the refrigerator and allow it to come to cool room temperature, about 20-30 minutes, which makes it easier to roll without cracking.
- Roll Out Pastry: Sprinkle a generous handful of sugar onto your counter to prevent sticking. Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately ⅛ inch thick. Add additional sugar on top or bottom of the pastry as needed to keep it from sticking to the surface or the rolling pin.
- Fold the Pastry: Fold the pastry in half lengthwise to mark the middle, then unfold it. Next, fold each side halfway to the middle, then fold each side again to the middle. Leave a small gap of about ¼ inch in the center to allow the pastry to fold over itself. Using a long ruler or straight edge in the middle can help maintain the gap. Finally, fold one side over the other as the last fold to create the signature palmier shape.
- Chill the Pastry: Wrap the folded pastry tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes, but no longer than one hour. This firms up the layers and helps maintain shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Slice: Preheat your oven to 400° F (204° C). Remove the pastry from the refrigerator and unwrap it, noting it may be slightly tacky due to the sugar. Slice the pastry into ½-inch thick slices carefully to maintain shape.
- Coat and Arrange: Dip each side of every slice into additional sugar, which helps create the caramelized crust. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2-3 inches apart to allow for expansion.
- Bake First Side: Bake the palmiers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the first side is golden and caramelized.
- Flip and Finish Baking: Carefully flip each palmier and continue baking for another 10 minutes to ensure even caramelization and crispiness on both sides.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the palmiers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. These treats are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Notes
- Using turbinado or demerara sugar enhances the caramelized texture and adds a subtle molasses flavor.
- Be careful when folding to maintain the signature gap in the middle for proper layering.
- Gluten free puff pastry brands vary; choose one that handles well and doesn’t crumble easily.
- Store palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp.
- Feel free to sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon mixed with sugar for a warm spice note.
Keywords: gluten free palmier, gluten free pastry dessert, gluten free cookies, french pastry gluten free, cinnamon sugar palmiers

