How to make orejas from puff pastry! All you need is a sheet, a bit of sugar and butter and you are set!
Here’s a simple recipe for making Mexican orejas (a.k.a. palmier pastries) using store-bought puff pastry! I saw this on TikTok from @Mommailena and had to try it!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or more, as needed)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for cinnamon-flavored orejas)
Directions
Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll Out and Add Sugar: Sprinkle half of the sugar on a clean work surface and lay the puff pastry sheet on top. Roll it out slightly with a rolling pin to press the sugar into the dough. Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top, gently pressing it into the surface. If adding cinnamon, mix it with the sugar before sprinkling.
Get the shape:
Fold the long sides of the puff pastry toward the center, leaving a 1-inch gap in the middle.
Next, fold each side again toward the center, meeting in the middle. Finally, fold one half over the other (like closing a book).
The pastry should now resemble a long, layered roll.
Slice and Shape: Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into ½-inch slices. Place each slice flat on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1-2 inches apart. OPTIONAL: Brush on melted butter (the puff pastry is already loaded with butter so you can skip this step if you want).
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the orejas are golden brown and caramelized. Flip them halfway through to get an even color and crunch on both sides.
Cool and Serve: Let the pastries cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your crispy, sweet Mexican orejas with coffee or hot chocolate!
RELATED:
Corazón Cookies: How to make heart-shaped cookies without a cookie cutter
Five fun facts about orejas!
Here are five interesting facts about *orejas* (also known as palmiers):
Orejas originated in France, where people called them “palmiers.” That word translates to “palm leaves” due to their shape. However, this beloved pastry became popular in Mexican bakeries, hence the name “orejas,” meaning “ears.”
They are kinda like a croissant. They are made from layers of thin pastry and butter. Except these are thinner, and crunchy!
Although traditionally made with sugar, orejas can be flavored with cinnamon, chocolate, or even dipped in dulce de leche.
In some cultures, the distinctive heart shape of orejas is seen as a symbol of love and good luck. I tried to form mine into hearts before baking but they spread out. I’ll try again next time!
Orejas are a delightful mix of French pastry technique and Latin American flavor – two thumbs up from this chica!
