Name: Delightful Christmas Wreath Palmiers with Cinnamon-Sugar Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 sheets Puff Pastry (store-bought); 100 g Granulated Sugar (can use brown sugar for enhanced flavor); 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon (optional: use pumpkin spice for a twist); 1 Egg (beaten; omit for a vegan version)

As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but get swept up in the joy of festive baking. Enter my Christmas Wreath Palmiers—beautifully shaped puff pastries that are not only simple to whip up but also a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Imagine flaky layers encased in a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating, delivering comfort in every crispy bite. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing, making them a must-have addition to your cookie box. Plus, they come together so quickly that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring joyful moments with loved ones. Curious about how to create these edible wreaths that are bound to impress? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are Wreath Palmiers So Irresistible?

Festive Appeal: This Christmas Wreath Palmiers recipe is not only visually stunning but also embodies the spirit of the season. Shaped like a wreath, they’re the perfect holiday treat!

Quick and Easy: With just simple puff pastry and a few pantry staples, these palmiers come together in no time, making them an ideal last-minute festive bake.

Crispy and Flaky: The flaky layers and crispy texture offer a delightful contrast to the sweet and spicy cinnamon coating, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.

Versatile Flavor: Feel free to mix up the spices—substituting pumpkin spice or adding chocolate chips can transform the flavor into something uniquely yours.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These treats are perfect for gatherings, sure to be a hit alongside your other holiday cookies. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore even more festive ideas in your baking adventures!

Christmas Wreath Palmiers Ingredients

Get ready to create these festive treats with just a few simple ingredients!

For the Puff Pastry
• Puff Pastry – Two sheets are needed for structure; store-bought makes this process a breeze.

For the Sweet Mixture
• Granulated Sugar – 100g adds the perfect sweetness; brown sugar can enhance the flavor with its rich undertones.
• Ground Cinnamon – 2 tsp gives warmth and spice; consider pumpkin spice for a holiday twist.

For the Egg Wash
• Egg – 1, beaten, is used for the egg wash; it helps achieve that beautiful golden color on top. Omit for a vegan version.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Wreath Palmiers

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). As it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the palmiers don’t stick while baking. This will help achieve the perfect crispiness for your Christmas Wreath Palmiers. Set everything aside so you can focus on the delicious layering ahead!

Step 2: Mix Cinnamon and Sugar
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 100g of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This sweet and spicy mixture is the heart of your Christmas Wreath Palmiers, adding warmth and flavor. Once combined, set the bowl aside where you can easily reach it during the next steps.

Step 3: Roll Out Puff Pastry
Take one sheet of the puff pastry out of the fridge and roll it onto a lightly floured surface. Using your rolling pin, adjust the dough to a size of about 30x40cm (12×16 inches). This will create a sturdy base. Now, sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface and lightly press it down with the rolling pin to ensure it adheres.

Step 4: Layer the Second Pastry Sheet
Carefully place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the first one, creating a sandwich of deliciousness. Repeat the process by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, pressing it down gently again with the rolling pin. This will create beautifully layered flavors in your festive treat!

Step 5: Cut and Shape Strips
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the stacked pastry into 1.5-2cm wide strips. Then, cut each strip into three smaller sections to form plaits. This step is crucial for the design of your Christmas Wreath Palmiers, making them visually appealing and fun to shape.

Step 6: Form the Wreath
Next, take each plaited piece and twist it gently, then arrange them in a circular wreath shape on your prepared baking sheet. Overlap the ends slightly to help create that charming wreath look. Press the ends together gently to seal them, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.

Step 7: Create Decorative Bows (Optional)
If you have leftover pastry strips, get creative by shaping them into bows to add a festive touch to your wreath. Simply twist and tie them into ribbon-like bows, and place them on the baking sheet alongside your palmiers for an extra whimsical holiday flair.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the Christmas Wreath Palmiers for 18–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they puff up; you want them to turn a gorgeous golden brown. The delicious aroma filling your kitchen will be a sign that they’re nearly ready!

Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the palmiers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. They should be crispy and light—perfect for serving! Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful holiday treat that everyone will love.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Wreath Palmiers

Airtight Container: Store leftover Christmas Wreath Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispiness.

Freezer: If you want to preserve these delightful treats longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy the palmiers again, reheat from frozen directly in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked crunch.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can shape the palmiers ahead of time and refrigerate them; bake just before serving to enjoy their freshly baked taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Wreath Palmiers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy more holiday moments with loved ones! You can prepare and shape the palmiers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until the shaping step, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven and bake them straight from the fridge for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown. This method ensures they retain their flaky texture and delicious flavor, making it just as enjoyable as fresh-baked treats! Embrace the joy of hassle-free baking this season with these festive palmiers!

Christmas Wreath Palmiers Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Wreath Palmiers and make them your own—customizing them is half the fun!

Brown Sugar: Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar to deepen the flavor with rich, caramel notes.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace ground cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a warm, festive twist that captures the essence of the season.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based puff pastry and omit the egg wash for a vegan-friendly version that still offers delightful texture.
Chocolate Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over your palmiers after baking for a sweet boost that chocolate lovers won’t resist.
Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar mixture; their crunch pairs beautifully with the flaky pastry.
Savory Spin: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the sugar mix for an intriguing savory twist that is unexpected yet delightful.
Fruit Infusion: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity surprise that will add both color and sweetness to your wreath.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a subtle heat that will awaken your palate and add an exciting layer to your treats.

Your Christmas Wreath Palmiers can be as unique as your holiday spirit! Enjoy experimenting with these variations, and for more holiday magic, check out my recipe for Classic Gingerbread Cookies or the rich flavors found in Cinnamon Roll Casserole.

Expert Tips for Christmas Wreath Palmiers

Keep Pastry Cold: Ensure your puff pastry sheets are cold when working with them. This helps maintain the flakiness and structure during baking.
Don’t Skimp on Sugar: Use the full amount of cinnamon-sugar mixture for each layer. Insufficient sugar may lead to less flavor and sweetness in your palmiers.
Shape Gently: When forming the wreath shape, press lightly to prevent the layers from compressing. This will keep them puffy after baking and enhance the texture of your Christmas Wreath Palmiers.
Oven Check: Every oven is different! Start checking your palmiers a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Decorative Touch: If you have extra pastry scraps, get creative and make cute bows or other festive shapes to elevate your presentation.

What to Serve with Christmas Wreath Palmiers

As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, complement these delightful treats with a spread of flavors that will warm hearts and stomachs alike.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, this classic drink enhances the sweet flavors of the palmiers, making each bite even more indulgent.
Peppermint Tea: A refreshing herbal tea that brings a hint of coolness to balance the warmth of cinnamon, creating a harmonious pairing.
Spiced Mulled Wine: Its aromatic spices and fruity notes echo the cinnamon-sugar, making it a cozy choice for festive gatherings.
Whipped Cream: A dollop on the side offers a luscious, creamy contrast, allowing for a delightful texture combination with the crispy palmiers.
Fruit Salad: Fresh seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates add a burst of color and brightness, rounding out the richness of the treats.
Gingerbread Cookies: Offering that extra spiced sweetness, these classic cookies make for a delightful holiday platter alongside the palmiers.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm palmiers over creamy vanilla ice cream to create a dreamy dessert that’s sure to impress your guests!

Christmas Wreath Palmiers Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best puff pastry?
Absolutely! When selecting puff pastry, look for sheets that are cold and well-sealed. I recommend checking for a golden color on the packaging and ensuring there are no dark spots. This indicates freshness and quality, which is crucial for achieving those delightful layers in your Christmas Wreath Palmiers.

How should I store leftover palmiers?
Very simply! Place your leftover Christmas Wreath Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 3 days. If you notice they start to soften, you can pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes to regain that delightful crunch!

Can I freeze Christmas Wreath Palmiers?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the shaped but unbaked palmiers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my palmiers don’t puff up?
If you find your Christmas Wreath Palmiers didn’t puff as expected, there might be a couple of reasons. First, make sure your puff pastry was cold before baking, as working with warm pastry can lead to less fluffiness. Secondly, ensure that you pressed down gently during shaping; compressing the layers too much will affect their rise. Next time, when layering the sugar, be generous—more sugar enhances puffing!

Are these palmiers suitable for people with allergies?
Great question! The primary ingredients for the Christmas Wreath Palmiers include puff pastry, sugar, cinnamon, and egg. If you’re catering to someone with allergies, consider using egg alternatives for the wash, like almond milk or a vegan egg substitute. Always check the labels for allergens in store-bought puff pastry, as they can vary by brand.

Can pets eat puff pastry?
Just a friendly reminder—while the ingredients in puff pastry are generally safe, they are not ideal for pets. The high-fat content and sugar may upset their stomachs. If you want to share a holiday treat with your furry friends, consider making them a special pet-friendly snack instead!