The moment my friend invited me over for tea and I was met with the delightful aroma of cinnamon wafting through her kitchen, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. These Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers, or Banh Palmier, are not just cute little cookies; they are a celebration of contrast—crispy on the outside, light and airy within, and infused with a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Made effortlessly with frozen puff pastry, these little gems are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, and they also make a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next coffee date or just want to spice up your afternoon snack, these palmiers have got you covered. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility—plus, the option to customize the spices means you can truly make them your own. Ready to create a treat that’s sure to spark joy? Let’s dive into making these addictive Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers!

Why are Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers a must-try?

Crispy Delight: These Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers offer a wonderful blend of crunchy caramelization and soft, airy texture, making them irresistible.

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and frozen puff pastry, these cookies are incredibly simple to whip up, perfect for bakers of any skill level.

Versatile Flavors: Customize your palmiers by experimenting with various spices like nutmeg or even citrus zest for a refreshing twist.

Gifting Friendly: Delight friends and family by packaging these beautiful cookies as a thoughtful treats, showcasing your baking prowess.

Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or casual gatherings, these cheerful cookies pair effortlessly with coffee, tea, or dessert platters.

Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers Ingredients

For the Dough
• Frozen Puff Pastry – This is the backbone of the recipe, providing a light and flaky texture. Substitution: Opt for all-butter puff pastry for richer flavor or a vegan version like Pepperidge Farms for a plant-based treat.

For the Spiced Sugar
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and creates a delightful caramelization. Note: Essential for that crunch in the Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers.
• Ground Cinnamon/Alternative Spices – Adds warmth and complexity; feel free to customize! Substitution: Try Chinese five-spice powder or ground coriander for a bold twist.

For the Finish
• Confectioner’s Sugar – Perfect for dusting, it adds a lovely sweet finish and aesthetic appeal. Note: This enhances both taste and presentation.

How to Make Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers

Prepare Spice Sugar: Mix granulated sugar with your chosen spices in a bowl, and taste to adjust the flavor strength to your liking. This will be your delicious flavor base!
Roll Puff Pastry: Lightly dust your surface with sugar and roll out the frozen puff pastry into a rectangle, ensuring it’s evenly thin. Sprinkle half of the spice sugar mix generously over the dough.
Shape the Dough: Fold the pastry inward from both long sides until they meet in the center, then coat the exposed surfaces with the remaining sugar. Roll tightly into a log, cover, and freeze for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cut Cookies: Remove the chilled log from the freezer and slice it into ¼-inch pieces, arranging them on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each.
Bake: Lightly mist the tops of the cookies with water (this helps with the glossy finish), then dust with confectioner’s sugar. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, flipping them halfway through for evenly browned cookies—about 18-20 minutes.
Cool Completely: Once baked, allow the petit palmiers to cool fully on the baking sheet to achieve that perfect crisp texture before indulging.

Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers?

Indulging in these delightful cookies opens the door to a world of wonderful pairing possibilities that will elevate your snacking experience.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrast to the cookies’ rich texture and spices.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of ice cream complements the crunchy palmiers beautifully, creating a delightful dessert experience.
Herbal Tea: A warm cup of calming herbal tea balances the spiced sweetness, offering a comforting and soothing moment.
Espresso or Coffee: The intensity of coffee or espresso enhances the cookies’ flavors, perfect for an energizing afternoon break.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A decadent drizzle or dip of dark chocolate provides a luscious contrast, inviting you to indulge a little further.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for a surprising savory twist that beautifully contrasts with the sweet palmiers.

These vibrant pairings create the perfect backdrop for your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers, turning each bite into a memorable experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers are perfect for meal prep, saving you time in the kitchen on busy days! You can prepare the spice sugar and roll the puff pastry into a log up to 24 hours in advance—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice your chilled log into ¼-inch pieces, arrange them on a baking sheet, and follow the baking instructions as usual. For an even more efficient plan, you can freeze the logs for up to one month; just thaw them in the refrigerator before slicing and baking. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious homemade cookies ready to impress without the last-minute rush!

How to Store and Freeze Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers

Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain the delightful crispiness of your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers.

Refrigeration: If you live in a humid environment, store in the fridge for up to 3 days, but allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer to a resealable bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating: To revive their crunch, reheat frozen palmiers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, allowing them to crisp up once again.

Viet-Spiced Petit Palmier Variations

Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by exploring these delightful twists on the classic recipe.

Vegan: Swap in a vegan puff pastry brand to make these treats suitable for a plant-based diet without sacrificing flavor.
Citrus Zest: Add freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the sugar mixture for a bright, refreshing burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
Nutty Option: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like almonds or pistachios, into the spiced sugar for added crunch and richness in every bite.
Herbal Infusion: Try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint to the sugar mixture for an unexpected and fragrant twist that’ll tantalize the taste buds.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, mix a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the spice blend. The warmth will elevate your palmiers to a new, exciting level.
Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent finish that enhances their allure.
Dried Fruit: Sprinkle tiny bits of dried fruit—like cranberries or apricots—between the folds of dough for a lovely chewy texture alongside the crispy exterior.
Maple Glaze: Combine confectioner’s sugar with maple syrup to create a sweet glaze, perfect for brushing over the warm, baked palmiers for a touch of sweet nostalgia.

Each of these variations will give your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers a unique personality, making every batch a delightful surprise!

Expert Tips for Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers

• Cut with Care: Use a downward cutting motion to slice the dough, ensuring the layers remain intact and prevent squishing.

• Keep It Cold: Make sure the puff pastry is very cold for easier handling; warm dough can become sticky and hard to slice.

• Misting Magic: Mist the tops of your cookies with water before baking to achieve a beautiful, glossy finish that enhances the overall look of your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers.

• Allow to Rest: Let the cut cookies sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking for optimal rising and texture.

• Flavor Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to play around with spices! A touch of cardamom or nutmeg can elevate your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers to an entirely new level.

Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best frozen puff pastry?
Absolutely! When selecting frozen puff pastry, look for brands that have a high butter content for the best flavor and flakiness. If you’re going for a vegan option, ensure it’s clearly labeled as such; Pepperidge Farms is a popular choice!

How should I store leftover Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers?
To keep your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you find they’re getting a bit too soft, you can pop them in the fridge but be sure to allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture.

Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers, first allow them to cool completely. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a resealable bag and they’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness.

What if my palmiers aren’t puffing up as expected?
Very good question! Several factors can affect the puffing of your palmiers. If the dough is too warm when baking, it may not rise properly. Make sure to keep your puff pastry cold throughout the process and remember to allow the cut cookies to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before popping them in the oven. Also, ensure your oven is preheated and hot to give them that initial surge of puffiness!

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies related to these cookies?
Absolutely! It’s essential to keep in mind that while the ingredients are generally safe for human consumption, they may not be suitable for pets. Avoid sharing your Viet-Spiced Petit Palmiers with dogs due to the sugar content, and always be cautious about any personal allergies to ingredients like gluten in the puff pastry or nuts if you add any. Always check for specific dietary needs before sharing with friends or family.