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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
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
- 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.- 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.
- 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
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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Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon 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.
Sunrita
This is incredibly easy and such a brilliant flavourful recipe. Thanks so much.
Maggie Unzueta
Glad to hear that you found the recipe easy and flavorful! Enjoy your Orejas!
Kristina
So delicious!
Maggie U
Thanks!
Chloe
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.
Maggie U
Let me know how they turned out! I love this recipe
Emily Flint
Ooooh, these are my favorite, I can’t wait to make them!
Maggie U
Right? Delicious
Leslie
So cute and so delicious!
Maggie U
Indeed! Glad you enjoyed this recipe
Angela
What a fun and tasty treat!
Maggie U
It’s delicious. Hope you try it
Kay
Perfect dessert the kids loved them 🙂
Maggie U
So glad your kids enjoyed this!
Natalie
What a lovely treat! So simple and easy and so delicious. I must make this for my boys. Thanks for the recipe and idea!
Maggie U
So good right? We love this one too
Sue
Wow – so easy!! Making these for sure!
Maggie U
Easy and delicious
Sabrina
Simply perfect!
Maggie U
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed this