5 Ingredients or Fewer

The crackle can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 month.

To achieve the greatest volume, whisk the egg whites in a metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water until just warm to the touch.

Once the palmiers are in the oven, watch them closely, as they may go from a perfect dark golden brown to burned in seconds.

The lined baking sheets can be marked with flour-dipped cookie cutters to help guide you in piping the dough into uniform shapes. (See how-to on page 652.)

These turnovers are a variation on the classic pain au chocolat. For maximum flavor, look for the highest-quality chocolate possible, such as Callebaut, Valrhona, or Scharffen Berger.

Coating the muffin tins with butter and sugar gives these little chocolate cakes sparkle and a bit of crunch.