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Orange Nutella Palmiers: Indulge in Easy Homemade Flaky Pastry Perfection

Delicious Orange Nutella Palmiers on a baking sheet, showcasing their flaky crust and sweet filling.

There’s something truly enchanting about a perfectly flaky, golden pastry. Whether it’s the buttery aroma filling the kitchen or the delicate crunch with every bite, pastries have a way of transporting us to our favorite bakeries. But what if I told you that one of the most elegant and delicious bakery treats – the Palmier – can be easily recreated in your own home with minimal effort? Even better, imagine infusing it with a truly irresistible flavor combination: the rich, creamy decadence of Nutella balanced with the bright, zesty notes of orange marmalade. Get ready to discover the magic of homemade Orange Nutella Palmiers, a recipe so simple, yet so utterly satisfying, it will quickly become a favorite.

Beyond the Bakery: The Allure of Homemade Palmiers

Palmiers, often called “elephant ears” or “palm leaves” due to their distinctive shape, are a classic French pastry known for their crisp, buttery layers. Traditionally made with puff pastry and sugar, they are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The beauty of palmiers lies in their simplicity and versatility. While the bakery versions are certainly delightful, making them at home offers an unparalleled freshness and the opportunity to customize flavors to your heart’s content. This particular recipe takes the classic to a new level, introducing a vibrant interplay of sweet and citrus that will tantalize your taste buds.

Close-up of a stack of Orange Nutella Palmiers, highlighting their layered texture and rich filling.

The Perfect Pair: Why Orange and Nutella?

For years, I was skeptical about the combination of chocolate and orange. My heart belonged to chocolate and strawberries or cherries, but orange always felt like an odd pairing. However, the prevalence of chocolate oranges in stores hinted at a beloved flavor profile I was missing out on. Curiosity finally led me to experiment, and I’m incredibly glad it did. The zesty bitterness of orange marmalade cuts through the sweetness and richness of Nutella beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that is both sophisticated and incredibly comforting. This recipe proves that some of the best flavor discoveries happen when you step outside your comfort zone. The result is a pastry that’s bright, complex, and utterly addictive.

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A vibrant flat lay of Orange Nutella Palmiers, perfect for sharing on Pinterest.

Essential Ingredients for Your Orange Nutella Palmiers

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its short and sweet ingredient list. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create these sensational treats. The key lies in selecting quality components that truly shine.

  • **Puff Pastry:** The hero of our palmiers! Store-bought frozen puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut that delivers professional results without the fuss of making dough from scratch. Ensure it’s fully thawed but still cold before you begin. The quality of your puff pastry will directly impact the flakiness of your finished product, so opt for a reputable brand.
  • **Nutella:** This beloved chocolate hazelnut spread adds a layer of rich, creamy indulgence. Its distinct flavor pairs wonderfully with the citrus, offering a luxurious sweetness.
  • **Orange Marmalade:** The vibrant counterpoint to the Nutella. Choose a good quality marmalade with a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. The little bits of orange peel also add a delightful texture and intense citrus aroma.

For the egg wash and sparkling finish:

  • **Egg & Water:** Whisked together, this creates a beautiful golden sheen and helps the sugar adhere.
  • **Turbinado Sugar (or raw sugar):** This coarse sugar provides a lovely crunch and sparkling appearance, making your palmiers look as good as they taste. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding another layer of texture and flavor.

Another perspective of the freshly baked Orange Nutella Palmiers, showing their golden crust.

The Magic Unveiled: That Irresistible Ooze

One of the delightful surprises when baking these palmiers is the “ooey-gooey” caramelized bits that sometimes melt onto the parchment paper. Don’t discard them! These delectable morsels are like a chewy, intensely flavored orange chocolate taffy. The heat of the oven transforms the Nutella and marmalade that escapes the pastry edges into a crispy, caramelized confection that is truly a baker’s bonus. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are allowed to meld and caramelize under heat, creating an unexpected treat that often gets snatched up first!

Close-up of the melted, caramelized Nutella and orange marmalade on parchment paper, a delicious bonus.

Crafting Your Orange Nutella Palmiers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these elegant pastries is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Orange Nutella Palmiers, ready to be enjoyed.

Created by: Lynne Feifer

Orange Nutella Palmiers

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Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • ½ cup Nutella
  • ½ cup orange marmalade

Egg wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar or raw sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  2. Place a piece of parchment paper, approximately 15 X 18 inches, on a clean work surface. This helps prevent the pastry from sticking while rolling and spreading.
  3. Gently unroll the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared work surface. If it sticks or tears, use a dab of water to piece it back together carefully.
  4. With a rolling pin, gently roll the dough out so that it is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer on all sides, aiming for dimensions of approximately 10 x 12 inches. If the rolling pin starts to stick, place another piece of parchment on top of the dough before continuing to roll.
  5. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the Nutella evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Be sure to leave about a 1/2-inch border clean on all edges. It’s often easier to dollop small amounts of Nutella in various spots and then gently spread them together to avoid tearing the delicate pastry.
  6. Repeat the process with the orange marmalade, spreading it gently over the Nutella layer, again leaving the 1/2-inch border.
  7. Starting from one of the long ends of the dough, gently and as tightly as possible, roll the pastry inward towards the center.
  8. Do the same from the other long end, rolling it towards the center until the two rolls meet perfectly in the middle. Gently press the two rolls together to seal.
  9. Wrap the rolled dough tightly in plastic wrap. Place it onto a cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least one hour, or until it is firm enough to slice easily. This chilling step is crucial for maintaining the shape of your palmiers during baking.
  10. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  11. In a small bowl, beat the egg with the one tablespoon of water to create your egg wash.
  12. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it.
  13. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the egg wash onto the top and sides of the rolled dough log.
  14. Sprinkle the entire roll with the Turbinado sugar. This will create a beautiful crispy, sugary crust.
  15. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the dough into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  16. Place the sliced palmiers on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between each to allow for expansion.
  17. Bake for 7 minutes, then rotate the cookie sheet 180 degrees for even baking. Continue to bake for another 7-9 minutes, or until the palmiers are puffed, golden brown, and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  18. Allow the palmiers to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling or serving. This allows them to firm up and prevents breakage.

Notes

If the puff pastry should tear when unrolling or spreading, simply use a dab of water and gently press the edges back together. The layers will still come together beautifully when baked.

I used approximately 1/2 cup each of Nutella and orange marmalade, which provides a generous filling without excessive oozing. Feel free to adjust the quantities slightly to your personal preference – you may use a bit more or less of either spread.

Tips for Perfect Palmiers Every Time

  • **Keep it Cold:** Puff pastry is best worked with when cold. If your kitchen is warm or you’re taking your time, pop the dough back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes if it becomes too soft or sticky.
  • **Gentle Hands:** Puff pastry is delicate. Roll and spread fillings with a light touch to avoid tearing the layers.
  • **Sharp Knife is Key:** For clean cuts and perfectly shaped palmiers, use a very sharp knife. A serrated knife can also work well.
  • **Don’t Overcrowd:** Give your palmiers space on the baking sheet. This allows for even air circulation and helps them crisp up without steaming.
  • **Watch the Edges:** The sugar and filling can caramelize quickly. Keep an eye on your oven, especially during the last few minutes, to prevent burning.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Orange Nutella Palmiers are best enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they are baked, when their flakiness is at its peak. They make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, or a quick, elegant dessert after any meal. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat.

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While they might lose some of their initial crispness, they will still be incredibly flavorful. You can gently rewarm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back some of their crisp texture.

I rated these Orange Nutella Palmiers 3 1/2 out of 4 rolling pins, and my family enthusiastically agreed. In fact, they were so good that I had to make a second batch this week! My husband, Mr. 365, had taken the original six leftovers to work before I even had a chance to photograph them for the blog. As any food blogger knows, you absolutely *must* ask before eating anything in this house – it could be blog material! But honestly, they were so deliciously yummy and incredibly easy to make that I didn’t mind whipping up another batch at all.

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And let’s not forget the loyal kitchen companion who patiently supervises every baking adventure. This cute (not so little anymore!) Golden Retriever was right by my side through both batches of palmiers. How can you resist such a charming sous-chef?

A charming Golden Retriever sitting patiently in the kitchen, observing the baking process.

More Delightful Pastries You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen in love with these Orange Nutella Palmiers, you’ll definitely want to explore other easy and delicious puff pastry creations. Here’s another fantastic recipe to add to your baking repertoire:

Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers

Classic Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers, golden and crispy, covered in sweet spice.

These classic palmiers, dusted generously with cinnamon sugar, offer a simple yet profound joy. They are a timeless treat that proves sometimes, the simplest flavors are the most satisfying. So go ahead, unleash your inner baker, and fill your home with the delightful aromas of freshly baked pastries!