Palmiers are a buttery French delight
The first international cookie recommended by James Beard Award-winning chef Christina Tosi is the palmier, a French delicacy crafted from puff pastry dough that is coated in sugar and shaped into a graceful heart. Also referred to as elephant ears, these light treats are thought to have emerged in the early 20th century, possibly inspired by Middle Eastern pastry layering techniques, although their precise origins remain unclear.
Tosi, an avid admirer of these cookies, confesses that she "cannot resist whenever [she spots] one in a French bakery, whether in the U.S. or abroad!" She appreciates the genius of palmiers for their straightforwardness, explaining that they are created by "utilizing time and technique, often with leftover croissant dough. It's a cookie that transcends the sum of its ingredients."
That certainly sounds like a cookie worth trying! These delightful confections are widely available in stores and bakeries globally, but if you're interested in making them at home, the process is quite simple. You can even save time and effort by following the advice of renowned baker Prue Leith and using pre-made puff pastry. Just be mindful of your rolling technique; rolling the dough too tightly can lead to a soggy center, while rolling it too loosely may result in a fragile outcome.
Alfajores are sandwich cookies with layers of texture and flavor
Next on Christina Tosi's must-try list is an alfajor, a delectable sandwich cookie that enjoys immense popularity in Latin America. "I'm a huge fan of sandwich cookies, and this one is truly exceptional," she shares. "A nutty cookie filled with rich, creamy, caramelized dulce de leche — what's not to adore?"
Alfajores boast a rich history and come in various regional styles. The most recognized version is the Argentinian alfajor, which features the dulce de leche filling Tosi refers to and is beloved across South America. However, in the Andalusian region of Spain, alfajores originated as a cylindrical treat made from honey, flour, sugar, and nuts — without any filling. The classic sandwich cookie can be prepared in numerous ways; for example, some recipes use fruit jam instead of dulce de leche, and different flours can yield cookies with entirely distinct textures.
Additionally, many bakeries offer popular variations of alfajores. Tosi notes, "Traditionally, they are sometimes rolled in coconut or dusted with powdered sugar, but my absolute favorite are the ones dipped in chocolate." She also mentions that "they're quite enjoyable to bake at home," so choose your preferred recipe and get started!
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