A Simple Pastry That Speaks the Language of Love

There’s something undeniably romantic about French pastries. Maybe it’s the buttery layers, the golden flakiness, or the way they turn even an ordinary morning into something worth savoring. One of my all-time favorites? The French Heart Puff — also known as palmiers or elephant ears.

These heart-shaped pastries are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and lightly caramelized with sugar, they’re the perfect pairing with a hot espresso or an afternoon tea. Best of all? You only need two ingredients.

Yes, you read that right.

✨ What You’ll Need:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought works beautifully)
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)

Optional: A pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even orange zest if you’re feeling adventurous.

💛 How to Make French Heart Puffs:

1. Prep Your Surface:
   Sprinkle half the sugar on a clean surface. Unfold your puff pastry sheet on top of it, and sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top. The sugar gets pressed into the dough, creating a crispy, caramelized texture during baking.
2. Fold With Love:
   Gently roll the pastry to about 10×12 inches. Then fold both long sides inward so they meet in the center. Fold again to bring the two sides together — like a book closing. You’ll have a long, folded log. Chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
3. Slice and Shape:
   Cut into ½-inch slices and place them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slightly pinch the bottom of each slice to create a heart shape.
4. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through once the bottoms are golden. Let cool on a rack — if you can wait that long!

🌿 Serving Ideas:

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Dip one side in dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Serve with fruit and cream for a brunch-worthy platter.

💬 A Little French Charm

What I love most about French Heart Puffs isn’t just their simplicity — it’s the way they feel like a little act of self-care. On days when everything feels busy and overwhelming, taking 30 minutes to bake something beautiful can ground you. It’s a small reminder that joy doesn’t always require effort, just intention.

Next time you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to overthink it, give these puffs a try. They’re charming, delicious, and almost too pretty to eat. Almost.