Recipe - Butterfly Cookies (Palmiers) – Flaky, Sweet Cookies from Chinese Bakeries

Palmiers, often referred to as butterfly cookies, are a delightful treat found in many Chinese bakeries. These crispy, golden, and caramelized pastries have a light, buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Originating from French pastry traditions, palmiers have become a staple in many Asian bakeries, sometimes flavored with sesame or other unique ingredients.

The History of Palmiers in Chinese Bakeries

While palmiers are originally French, they have seamlessly integrated into Chinese bakery culture. The light, flaky texture and subtly sweet profile make them a perfect companion for tea or coffee, aligning well with the flavors and textures commonly enjoyed in Chinese pastries. Over time, bakers have put their own spin on the classic palmier by using ingredients like black sesame, matcha, and even condensed milk to add a unique twist.

What Makes a Good Palmier?

The secret to a perfect butterfly cookie lies in two key factors: the dough and the caramelization. Traditional palmiers are made with puff pastry, which ensures a light and flaky texture. The caramelization comes from rolling the dough in sugar before baking, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a delightful crunch in every bite.

Ingredients for Classic Palmiers

Making butterfly cookies at home is surprisingly easy, requiring just a few basic ingredients:

1 sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional, for a Chinese bakery-style variation)
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Work Surface

Sprinkle a clean work surface with granulated sugar. Unfold the thawed puff pastry and place it onto the sugared surface. Sprinkle more sugar over the top, gently pressing it into the dough with a rolling pin. This step ensures the sugar adheres well to the pastry and will caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Fold the Dough

If using cinnamon or black sesame seeds, sprinkle them evenly over the sugar-covered pastry.
Fold the left and right sides of the dough toward the center so they meet in the middle.
Then, fold the dough again in the same manner so that both sides meet at the center again.
Finally, fold one side over the other, creating a compact log with six layers.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the folded pastry log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps maintain the layers, ensuring the cookies hold their shape when baked.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick pieces.
Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
If desired, lightly brush each cookie with an egg wash for a glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and caramelized.
Flip the cookies halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization on both sides.
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Black Sesame Palmiers: Add 1 tablespoon of black sesame seeds before folding for a subtle nuttiness.
Matcha Palmiers: Dust a light layer of matcha powder over the sugar before rolling the dough.
Condensed Milk Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the cookies with condensed milk for extra sweetness.
Chocolate-Dipped Palmiers: Dip one side of the baked cookies in melted dark chocolate and let them set.

Storage Tips

Palmiers store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crispiness, avoid storing them in humid environments.

Enjoying Your Homemade Butterfly Cookies

These flaky and sweet butterfly cookies are a perfect pairing with tea, coffee, or a warm cup of milk. Whether you make them plain or add a personal twist, they are sure to impress friends and family. Once you’ve mastered the classic version, experiment with different flavors and coatings to create your own unique bakery-style palmiers!

With just a few ingredients and some simple folding techniques, you can bring the taste of a Chinese bakery into your home.