Savory Palmiers with Cream Cheese and Everything Spice

appetizerpuff pastry doughpastrycream cheesebasics


Claire Saffitz
Makes about 15


Ingredients

Method

Real Talk: If you’re running out of space in the refrigerator (you have to chill the dough 10–15 minutes to get the best rise), you can form the log, then chill at that point before cutting it up into pieces. Just don’t forget that egg wash!

Preheat oven to 400°. Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface just to smooth out any creases. If you’re using a package of pastry that has 2 sheets, simply stack the sheets and roll out to a rectangle between ¼"–⅛" thick. Smear cream cheese over surface of pastry in an even layer, spreading to edges (a small offset spatula is good for this). Sprinkle everything bagel spice evenly over, then sprinkle with salt.

Okay, here comes the fun part: With 1 long side facing you, fold both long sides in toward the center line so the edges meet in the middle (do not overlap); press down gently to flatten. Brush exposed pastry with egg wash (which is just a beaten egg that will make the dough a beautiful color after baking). Now roll the sides you just folded lengthwise toward the center to form a double-spiral log with a seam running down the middle. Squeeze all along length of log to adhere. Roll whole log away from you 90° so seam is facing away from you. Trim about ½" off 1 end to clean up the edge, then slice log crosswise into ½"-thick pieces (you should have about 15).

You’re almost done! Transfer pieces cut side up to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2" apart. Brush outside edges of pastry with egg wash, avoiding cut sides on top. Chill until pastry is firm, 10–15 minutes.

Bake palmiers 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350° and continue to bake until puffed and golden all over, 20–30 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Do Ahead: Palmiers can be baked 8 hours ahead. Let cool, then cover with plastic and let sit at room temperature until ready to serve.