If you’re on the hunt for a light, airy treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Nun’s Puffs Recipe has got you covered. These delicate, golden puffs are a classic French-American delight that combine the magic of choux pastry with simple ingredients to create a beautifully puffed, slightly crispy exterior with a soft, tender inside. Whether you’re after a special breakfast, a charming dessert, or a snack to impress, Nun’s Puffs offer a wonderfully versatile, elegant bite that anyone can master with just a bit of love and practice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—these ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a starring role in the success of this Nun’s Puffs Recipe. Together, they create the perfect balance of richness, fluffiness, and subtle sweetness that makes these puffs so memorable.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the dough, essential for that tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps in forming a smooth dough.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch for a hint of sweetness to brighten the flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough, enabling those signature puffs to form.
- Large eggs: Vital for binding and adding that delightful puff when baked.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For dusting—that little flourish that ups the charm factor.
- Butter or nonstick spray: To generously grease the muffin tin and prevent sticking, ensuring each puff pops out effortlessly.
How to Make Nun’s Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and pans
Start by preheating your oven to a steady 375°F. While it warms up, generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray. This step is crucial so your Nun’s Puffs don’t stick and come out perfectly rounded and golden.
Step 2: Cook the milk mixture
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the whole milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir gently until the butter melts completely and the mixture reaches a rolling boil. This warm, buttery base is the foundation of your dough’s flavor and texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the flour
Once boiling, add all the flour at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth, cohesive ball. This step activates the starches in the flour, giving your puffs their signature structure.
Step 4: Cool and add eggs
Remove the dough from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes so it cools slightly, preventing the eggs from scrambling when added. Then, beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until your batter is smooth and glossy, almost like a thick, luscious custard.
Step 5: Fill and bake the puffs
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about halfway. Pop the tin into your hot oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven door during this time—those puffs need steady heat to rise beautifully. They’ll turn golden brown and puffed to perfection.
Step 6: Cool and finish
Once baked, take the puffs out and let them cool slightly in the pan. If you like, dust them generously with powdered sugar right before serving for that extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Serve Nun’s Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can make these puffs look party-ready, but feel free to experiment with a drizzle of honey, a dollop of whipped cream, or a smear of your favorite jam to add layers of flavor and that wow factor.
Side Dishes
These puffs shine as a stand-alone breakfast or dessert, but pairing them with fresh berries, a cup of rich coffee, or a pot of tea turns any meal into a cozy celebration. For a savory twist, serving alongside scrambled eggs or a light salad offers a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try filling Nun’s Puffs with sweetened cream cheese or lemon curd for a delightful surprise inside. You can also slice them open and stack with fruit and yogurt for an elegant brunch highlight that sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nun’s Puffs keep beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container to maintain their light texture without becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these puffs once cooled entirely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month, perfect for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To revive frozen or day-old puffs, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes. This crisps up the exterior and warms the inside, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute whole milk with a plant-based alternative?
While whole milk gives richness and moisture essential for the perfect puff, you can try unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just know the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
Why shouldn’t I open the oven while the Nun’s Puffs bake?
Opening the oven door early can cause a sudden drop in temperature and let moisture escape, which may cause the puffs to collapse instead of rising fully. Patience is key for that puffed-up perfection.
Can I make a savory version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the sugar and consider adding herbs, grated cheese, or spices to the batter before baking. Savory Nun’s Puffs are fantastic as appetizers or with soups and salads.
What’s the best way to mix in the eggs?
Adding eggs one at a time and mixing thoroughly ensures the batter is smooth and glossy without becoming too runny or lumpy. This step is what helps create that light, airy texture inside the puffs.
Are Nun’s Puffs gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free puffs, you’d need to try a specialized gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Nun’s Puffs Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a touch of light, buttery joy to their baking repertoire. It’s simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a charming snack. So grab your ingredients, warm up that oven, and get ready to delight yourself and everyone lucky enough to share these irresistible little puffs!
Print
Nun’s Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nun’s Puffs are light and airy pastries made from a choux-like batter, baked to golden perfection. These sweet, pillowy puffs are perfect for breakfast or dessert and can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with jam, honey, or whipped cream. With a delicate balance of buttery richness and subtle sweetness, Nun’s Puffs offer a delightful treat that is simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Baking
- butter or nonstick spray for greasing the pan
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Add Flour: Remove the pan from heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.
- Cool Dough: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes to prevent cooking the eggs when they are added.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until the dough is smooth, shiny, and uniform.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon or pipe the dough evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about halfway to allow for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have fully puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking as it may cause them to collapse.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly in the tin. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a sweet variation, serve Nun’s Puffs with jam, honey, or whipped cream for added flavor.
- For a savory twist, omit the sugar from the batter and sprinkle in grated cheese or fresh herbs before baking.
- Keep the oven door closed during baking to ensure the puffs rise properly and don’t collapse.
- These puffs are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
