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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Orejas + VIDEO

    Orejas + VIDEO

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted January 28, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Learn how to make Orejas (or palmiers). This light and buttery treat is a favorite at Mexican bakeries. Made with simple ingredients for easy baking.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A stack of orejas (Mexican pan dulce) on a golden serving platter.

    Orejas stacked on a gold serving platter.

    Orejas are crispy, light, and always an excellent choice when at the panadería, or Mexican bakery.

    It’s really hard to buy these when you figure out how EASY they are to make.

    For being such a fancy dessert, it only requires 3 ingredients! Mind blowing, I know!

    Shape, bake, and enjoy.

    More Mexican Pan Dulce Recipes:


    Conchas
    Mantecadas
    Churros
    Apple Empanadas
    Pumpkin Empanadas
    Pineapple Empanadas
    Pan de Elote

    Orejas on a a decorative green plate next to a pile of cookies.

    What is an oreja? Literal translation, an “oreja” is an ear. These little treats get their name because of their shape that looks like an ear.

    This dessert was brought to Mexico by the French along with other breads and pastries.

    The French along with other European immigrants greatly influenced what is pan dulce today.

    Some people also say they look like a palm leaf shape. That’s why in French they are called palmiers.

    Other Names: elephant ears, pig’s ears, palm hearts, or orejitas.

    How to Make Them

    A collage showing how to form the cookies.

    • Start by thawing out the puff pastry.
    • Open it up and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar.
    • Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough.
    • Turn and repeat.
    • Then fold in about an inch on each side.

    Rolling the dough with the cinnamon sugar mixture will help press it into the dough.

    If you see that the dough is not rolling out as easily, that’s because it is not properly thawed out.

    Give it a few more minutes to thaw. About 30 minutes on the countertop.

    Pro Tip:

    Unlike other doughs, you do not need to add flour to the surface when rolling.

    A collage showing how to form the cookies using puff pastry.

    • Fold in both sides.
    • Do this little by little until you fold one of the sides over the other side.
    • Cut 1-inch slices.
    • Carefully dip each of the slices into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
    • Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

    Use your best judgement when folding the sides in. They should be about equal size.

    You want to leave a little gap at the very end (SEE PICTURE ABOVE). This gap will allow you to fold one side over the other.

    Can you freeze?


    Yes! You can freeze sliced, unbaked orejas (or palmiers). Place them on a sheet pan and when they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You don’t need to defrost them before placing in the oven. They last in the freezer for up to 1 month.

    Baked orejas on a sheet pan.

    • Bake for 20 minutes on an ungreased pan.
    • Flip and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Let cool slightly before serving.

    The high heat from the oven will create a sugar glaze on the pastry.

    Variations:


    Melt chocolate and drizzle on top.
    Add raspberry or strawberry to the filling.
    Roll up with melted chocolate and nuts
    For a savory pastry, omit the sugar and use tapenade or pesto.

    More Mexican Desserts:


    Mexican Wedding Cookies
    Hojarascas
    Carlota de Limon
    Mexican Fried Bananas

    Orejas on a a decorative green plate next to a pile of cookies.

    Storing


    Place in airtight container. They will last for up to 3 days.

    Orejas are yummy sweet treats. Light, buttery, and made with a handful of ingredients. Serve with a cup of cafe de olla and enjoy!

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Orejas stacked on a gold serving platter.

    Orejas (Palmiers)

    Learn how to make Orejas (or palmiers). This light and buttery treat is a favorite at Mexican bakeries. Made with simple ingredients for easy baking.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Desserts
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 55 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    Servings: 18
    Calories: 195kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 2 sheets puff pastry
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Thaw the puff pastry on the countertop, if frozen.
    • About 30 minutes.
    • Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
    • Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly on a surface.
    • Open up the puff pastry over the cinnamon sugar mixture.
    • Sprinkle more cinnamon and sugar over the top of the dough.
    • Using a rolling pin, roll it gently to press the sugar into the dough.
    • Fold about 1-inch of of the right side of the rectangle over.
    • Fold about 1-inch of the left side.
    • Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture as you fold.
    • Press the cinnamon and sugar down on the dough.
    • Continue to fold until you have one long, flat piece of dough.
    • Cut into 1-inch pieces.
    • Dip each piece into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
    • Place on a pan and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
    • Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
    • Remove from fridge.
    • Bake for 20 minutes.
    • Flip and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    Thaw the puff pastry either in the refrigerator overnight, or on the counter for about half an hour. It's ready when it's pliable, but still cool. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Desserts

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sabrina

      January 28, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      Simply perfect!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:31 am

        Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed this

        Reply
    2. Sue

      January 29, 2021 at 5:49 am

      5 stars
      Wow – so easy!! Making these for sure!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:28 am

        Easy and delicious

        Reply
    3. Natalie

      January 29, 2021 at 6:36 am

      5 stars
      What a lovely treat! So simple and easy and so delicious. I must make this for my boys. Thanks for the recipe and idea!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:28 am

        So good right? We love this one too

        Reply
    4. Kay

      January 29, 2021 at 6:48 am

      5 stars
      Perfect dessert the kids loved them 🙂

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:27 am

        So glad your kids enjoyed this!

        Reply
    5. Angela

      January 29, 2021 at 7:36 am

      5 stars
      What a fun and tasty treat!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:27 am

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it

        Reply
    6. Leslie

      January 29, 2021 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      So cute and so delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:26 am

        Indeed! Glad you enjoyed this recipe

        Reply
    7. Emily Flint

      January 29, 2021 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      Ooooh, these are my favorite, I can’t wait to make them!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:26 am

        Right? Delicious

        Reply
    8. Chloe

      January 29, 2021 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      These look so simple and delicious, I love making the most of pre made pastry! Can’t wait to make them at the weekend, what a great afternoon treat.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:26 am

        Let me know how they turned out! I love this recipe

        Reply
    9. Kristina

      January 29, 2021 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      So delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        February 3, 2021 at 10:25 am

        Thanks!

        Reply

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