The Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe is very simple and sweet. These treats are light, crisp and buttery. They taste rich because the sugar melts and turns into caramel.
Many people love this snack because it looks fancy but is very easy to make. You only need one puff pastry sheet and a few basic things.
In this guide, you will learn how to make Ina Garten Elephant Ears in easy steps. You will also see the ingredients for Ina Garten Elephant Ears, useful tips, mistakes to avoid and fun changes you can try. This recipe is great for snacks, parties or tea time. Kids and adults enjoy it a lot.
My Experience With This Recipe
I love making these sweet treats on slow and calm days. The kitchen smells warm and sweet when the sugar melts. The pastry becomes light and puffy in the oven.
The edges turn golden and crisp. It feels like a bakery snack, but it is very easy to make at home. My family loves these Elephant Ears with tea or coffee.
They vanish very fast every time I make them. I also bake them for guests because they look very pretty on a plate. This recipe is quick, simple and always turns out great.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Elephant Ears
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cooling rack
- Clean work surface
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat and Prepare Surface
Preheat the oven and spread half the sugar mix on a clean table. - Roll Out the Pastry
Place the thawed puff pastry on the sugar and sprinkle the rest on top. - Press the Sugar
Press the sugar gently into the pastry so it sticks and covers the sheet. - Fold Each Long Side
Fold both long sides of the pastry toward the middle until they meet. - Fold Again to Center
Fold both sides again toward the middle until they almost touch. - Fold to Make Log
Fold the whole pastry in half to make a tight log and press it gently. - Slice the Dough
Cut the pastry log into even 1/2-inch slices and lay them flat. - Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a tray with parchment and place the slices cut side up. - Bake Until Golden
Bake until the Elephant Ears turn golden, crisp, and shiny on top. - Flip for Even Baking
Flip every piece halfway through so both sides get evenly golden. - Cool the Pastries
Move the hot pastries to a rack and let them cool until firm.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe
- Use very cold puff pastry
- Press the sugar well
- Add cinnamon for warm flavor
- Cut slices evenly
- Do not burn the sugar
- Flip halfway
- Cool before serving
- Use fine sugar
- Use parchment paper
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not thaw pastry too long
- Do not use a warm baking sheet
- Do not fold unevenly
- Do not skip flipping
- Do not bake on very high heat
- Do not overcrowd the tray
- Do not cut slices too thick or thin
Serving Suggestions
These Elephant Ears taste great with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. They are perfect for snacks, breakfast or dessert. You can serve them with ice cream or whipped cream for a fancy touch.
They look lovely on a dessert board with fruit or small cakes. Their light crunch and sweet taste make them great for parties and family time. Kids love them because the swirls look fun and cute.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cocoa powder
- Use brown sugar
- Add nutmeg
- Add crushed nuts
- Add orange zest
- Brush with butter
- Make mini ones
- Add cardamom
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight box
- Keep at room temperature
- Do not refrigerate
- Reheat in oven only
- Do not microwave
- Freeze raw slices
- Bake frozen slices without thawing
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Health Benefits
This snack is simple and light. Puff pastry gives quick energy because it has carbs. Cinnamon adds warm flavor and may help digestion.
The recipe uses only a few ingredients, so it feels light on the stomach. You can enjoy it once in a while without feeling heavy. Small portions also help keep it balanced.
Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Surface
- Preheat the oven and spread half the sugar mix on a clean table.
Roll Out the Pastry
- Place the thawed puff pastry on the sugar and sprinkle the rest on top.
Press the Sugar
- Press the sugar gently into the pastry so it sticks and covers the sheet.
Fold Each Long Side
- Fold both long sides of the pastry toward the middle until they meet.
Fold Again to Center
- Fold both sides again toward the middle until they almost touch.
Fold to Make Log
- Fold the whole pastry in half to make a tight log and press it gently.
Slice the Dough
- Cut the pastry log into even 1/2-inch slices and lay them flat.
Prepare Baking Sheet
- Line a tray with parchment and place the slices cut side up.
Bake Until Golden
- Bake until the Elephant Ears turn golden, crisp, and shiny on top.
Flip for Even Baking
- Flip every piece halfway through so both sides get evenly golden.
Cool the Pastries
- Move the hot pastries to a rack and let them cool until firm.
Notes
- Use very cold puff pastry
- Press the sugar well
- Add cinnamon for warm flavor
- Cut slices evenly
- Do not burn the sugar
- Flip halfway
- Cool before serving
- Use fine sugar
- Use parchment paper
FAQs about Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe
- Can I make Elephant Ears without cinnamon?
Yes, you can leave out the cinnamon. The recipe will still taste sweet and buttery. Cinnamon only adds extra warmth. If you want more flavor, add vanilla sugar or nutmeg. The Elephant Ears will still bake perfectly. - Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works well. But it takes more time. Store-bought puff pastry is faster and easier. Ina Garten also likes simple cooking, so frozen pastry is great. Just keep it cold before baking. - Why did my Elephant Ears not puff up?
They may not puff if the pastry becomes warm. Warm pastry loses its layers. Keep it cold until baking. Also make sure your oven is very hot. Heat helps the pastry rise. - Can I freeze the baked Elephant Ears?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. But they may not stay crisp. It is better to freeze the raw slices. Bake them fresh for the best taste and crunch. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double it easily. Just use more pastry sheets and sugar. Bake in two trays so each piece browns well. Do not crowd the oven.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe is sweet, simple and perfect for any day. You need only puff pastry and sugar to make this tasty treat. The steps are easy, and the results look fancy.
These Elephant Ears are great for parties, snacks and holidays. Try this recipe and you will want to make it again. Enjoy the crisp, buttery and sweet flavor in every bite!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!