1sheet puff pastry (about 16 x 7 inches / 40 x 18 cm (thawed but still cold)(see note 1)
½cup100 g sugar (granulated or brown), divided (see note 2)
Optional: Ground cinnamon
Instructions
Sprinkle ¼ cup of sugar onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lay the puff pastry on top of the sugar, pressing gently so the sugar sticks.
Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the pastry and press it in with the back of a spoon.
Fold the Pastry (First Fold)
Take one long edge and fold it one-third (⅓) of the way toward the center. If any sugar stays on the parchment instead of sticking to the pastry, just scoop it up with your fingers and press it back on.
Fold again
Fold it again another one-third (⅓) of the way, so it reaches the middle.
Fold the other side
Repeat the same steps on the other side: fold the opposite long edge one-third (⅓) of the way toward the center, and then fold it again so both sides meet in the middle.
Final fold
Fold one side over the other, like closing a book. Gently press to help it stay together.
Chill
If the full length of the pastry is difficult to handle, cut it in half before wrapping.
Wrap each half in plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up for easy, neat slicing. Chilling also helps the pastries hold their shape while baking, creating flakier layers.
Note: You can store one half in the freezer for up to a month if you don't want to bake both at once. (See note 3)
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for regular ovens, or 400°F (200°C) for fan-assisted ovens. (See note 4) Place the oven rack in the middle position.
Don’t leave the baking sheet in the oven while preheating.Placing the pastries on a hot baking sheet can cause the sugar to melt or caramelize too quickly, potentially burning the pastries.It’s best to place them on a cool baking sheet before baking.
Slice
Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick pieces. (See note 5)
Arrange and bake
After slicing or handling, ensure the pastry is still cold and hasn’t warmed up too much. If it gets too warm, the pastry may lose its shape or not puff properly. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each slice. There's no need to open up before baking, they'll spread and form a heart shape as they bake.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Storage
Once baked and cooled store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll be crispest the day they’re baked, so the sooner you enjoy them, the better 😋
Scroll up to see the step-by-step photos! I’ve included them above to help you follow along and make the recipe perfectly every time you try it. Just scroll up to check them out! 😊
Recipe Notes
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry can be delicate, so ensure it’s completely thawed but remains cold when you're working with it. If it hasn’t fully thawed, it may crack or break.
Sugar: For a caramelized look, use brown sugar on the outside and white granulated sugar inside. You can also mix the sugars or use just one type, depending on your preference.
Freezing for later: You can freeze one half of unbaked pastry for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature until it's soft enough (but still cold and firm) to slice.
Oven Temperature: If you're concerned about over-browning, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for fan-assisted ovens or 400°F (200°C) for regular ovens. This will give you a golden, crispy texture while being a bit gentler on the pastry.
Thickness affects texture and crispiness:
Thicker slices (½-inch / 1.25 cm) will have more layers, resulting in a chewier texture with a crisp exterior.
Thinner slices (¼-inch / 0.6 cm) bake faster and become more crisp throughout, creating a lighter, crunchier texture.