Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe

Ina Garten’s Elephant Ears, also known as palmiers, are a delightful French pastry made from puff pastry and sugar. These crisp, caramelized treats are perfect for pairing with coffee or tea and make an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert or snack.

What is Ina Garten Elephant Ears?

Elephant Ears, or palmiers, are delicate, flaky pastries made by rolling and folding puff pastry with sugar to create a crispy, golden-brown cookie with caramelized layers. They have a light, buttery texture, and a sweet crunch, making them a simple yet irresistible treat.

Other Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten Caramelized Shallots
• Ina Garten Quinoa Tabbouleh
• Ina Garten Date Nut Bread
• Ina Garten Lobster Mac and Cheese

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Elephant Ears

• Easy to make: Uses store-bought puff pastry for quick preparation.
• Crispy and caramelized: The sugar creates a perfect golden crunch.
• Versatile: Enjoy as a snack, dessert, or a coffee-time treat.
• Elegant yet simple: Looks fancy but requires minimal effort.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be stored for several days.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Elephant Ears

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Elephant Ears

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the work surface: Lightly sprinkle half of the sugar mixture onto a clean surface.

Step 2: Roll the Dough

• Place the puff pastry: Lay the puff pastry sheet onto the sugared surface.
• Sprinkle sugar on top: Evenly distribute the remaining sugar, pressing it into the dough.

Step 3: Fold and Shape

• Make the first folds: Fold each long side of the dough inward to meet in the center.
• Make the second folds: Fold the same sides inward again, so they nearly touch.
• Fold in half: Finally, fold one half over the other, creating a compact log shape.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

• Cut the dough: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the slices cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
• Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Flip them halfway through baking for even browning.

Step 5: Serve

• Cool and enjoy: Let the elephant ears cool on a wire rack before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Elephant Ears

• Coffee or tea: A perfect companion for a warm drink.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve alongside for an elegant dessert.
• Chocolate drizzle: Dip or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Fresh berries: Pair with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream enhances the sweetness.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Elephant Ears

• Keep the pastry cold: Work with chilled dough to maintain its structure.
• Press the sugar firmly: It helps it caramelize properly during baking.
• Flip halfway through baking: Ensures even browning and crispiness.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding cocoa powder or orange zest for a unique twist.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Elephant Ears

• Chocolate Palmiers: Sprinkle cocoa powder with the sugar before rolling.
• Savory Version: Use Parmesan cheese and herbs instead of sugar for a savory snack.
• Nutty Palmiers: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for texture.
• Spiced Palmiers: Use nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a seasonal touch.
• Caramel-Coated Palmiers: Brush with caramel sauce before baking for extra sweetness.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Elephant Ears

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for longer storage: Freeze baked elephant ears in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• Re-crisp if needed: If they soften, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

FAQs

How do I keep elephant ears crispy?

Store elephant ears in an airtight container at room temperature. If they soften, reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Can I make elephant ears with homemade puff pastry?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works well and adds extra flakiness. Ensure it is well-chilled before rolling and folding.

What sugar works best for caramelization?

Granulated sugar works best as it melts evenly and creates a crisp caramelized coating. You can also use turbinado sugar for extra crunch.

Can I freeze elephant ears before baking?

Yes, slice and freeze the shaped elephant ears on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Elephant Ears are a simple yet elegant pastry that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality treat at home.

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