Nun’s Puffs Recipe
Nun’s Puffs are one of those magical bakes that transform the simplest pantry ingredients into an ethereal, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Puffing up golden and crisp on the outside, yet delightfully airy and hollow within, they’re like a cross between a cream puff and a popover—only lighter and dreamier! Whether you’re sharing them for a brunch with friends or adding something special to afternoon tea, Nun’s Puffs will completely charm everyone at your table with their old-fashioned, simple elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Nun’s Puffs so utterly appealing is just how few ingredients you need—each one bringing its own little magic to the recipe. Let’s take a look at the essentials and why they matter for taste, texture, and golden color.
- Unsalted butter: Rich butter forms the base for flavor and gives the puffs their beautifully crisp shell.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping the puffs rise and become airy.
- All-purpose flour: Creates structure for the puffs; make sure you measure it accurately for the proper texture.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch for subtle sweetness—don’t skip, even if you plan to dust with more sugar later!
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness so the puffs taste bright, not bland.
- Large eggs: The true secret to puffing up! Eggs help the puffs become hollow and golden, and keep the inside custardy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds beautiful aroma and a gentle, creamy flavor note in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For that classic, snowy finish—totally optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Nun’s Puffs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This high heat is key for helping Nun’s Puffs balloon up perfectly. Generously grease a standard muffin tin—either with butter or a baking spray—so the puffs won’t stick and you can easily lift them out later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Warm the Milk
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once it’s fully melted, pour in the whole milk and watch, stirring occasionally, as it comes just to a gentle boil. The bubbling means the mixture is ready for the next step.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients to Form the Dough
Reduce the heat to low and quickly add the flour, granulated sugar, and salt all at once. With a sturdy wooden spoon, stir vigorously! In about 1 to 2 minutes, the mixture should pull away from the sides of the pan and come together into a soft, unified dough ball.
Step 4: Cool Slightly and Add the Eggs
Take the saucepan off the heat and let the dough cool for about five minutes. This slight cooling guards against scrambling the eggs. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, taking care to fully incorporate each before adding the next—you’ll notice the dough turn smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla last for that dreamy hint of flavor.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. This leaves them enough room to puff up beautifully! Bake in the center of the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the Nun’s Puffs are spectacularly puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door, as it can cause your puffs to collapse before they’re set.
Step 6: Cool and Finish with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the Nun’s Puffs cool for a few minutes in the tin. If you like, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that finishing touch. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and at their most irresistible!
How to Serve Nun’s Puffs
Garnishes
The simplest—and perhaps most classic—way to finish Nun’s Puffs is with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. For extra flair, try a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a little zest of lemon can also add a fresh twist, making them feel utterly festive!
Side Dishes
Because Nun’s Puffs are light and slightly sweet, they’re beautiful alongside a platter of fresh berries or a fruit salad. Pair them with a steaming mug of coffee or a pot of fragrant tea for an elegant afternoon pick-me-up. For brunch, serve them with eggs and crisp bacon for a comforting, full spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Nun’s Puffs into stunning centerpieces by splitting them open and filling their airy centers with whipped cream, pastry cream, or your favorite preserves for a nod to classic cream puffs. You can also stack them high on a plate and finish with a cascade of honey or caramel for added indulgence—guaranteed to wow at any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Nun’s Puffs are truly best when fresh from the oven, with their crisp outer shell and pillowy inside. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. They may soften over time but will still taste delicious.
Freezing
While Nun’s Puffs aren’t quite as perfect after freezing, you absolutely can freeze them if needed. Allow the puffs to cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to one month.
Reheating
To revive Nun’s Puffs after storing or freezing, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the puffs for about 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it will make them chewy instead of light and airy.
FAQs
Why are my Nun’s Puffs dense or flat?
If your puffs didn’t rise, it’s possible the dough was too warm when you added the eggs, or you opened the oven door mid-bake. Always let the dough cool slightly first and avoid peeking during baking for maximum puff!
Can I add fillings to Nun’s Puffs?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled slightly, split Nun’s Puffs and add whipped cream, jam, lemon curd, or even Nutella for a decadent spin. Their hollow centers are perfect for holding sweet surprises.
Can I make Nun’s Puffs gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free baking blend. The results will be a little different in texture, but you’ll still get lovely, hollow puffs.
Do Nun’s Puffs need to be served fresh?
They’re definitely at their best just out of the oven, while the outside is crisp and the inside is still warm. If you need to make ahead, follow the reheating directions above to bring back their signature texture.
Why are they called Nun’s Puffs?
The origin is a bit of a mystery! Some say these light and airy puffs were made by nuns in centuries past as a simple treat from humble ingredients, but others think the poetic name comes from their pure, delicate look.
Final Thoughts
From their delicate puff to simple, honest flavor, Nun’s Puffs are the sort of old-fashioned delight that encourage you to slow down and savor. Give these a try—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can bring such joy to your table, one warm bite at a time.
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Nun’s Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nun’s Puffs are delightful pastries with a hollow, airy center and a crisp outer shell, reminiscent of cream puffs. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you enjoy them plain or filled with your favorite sweet filling.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a standard muffin tin.
- Mix and Cook: Melt butter in a saucepan, add milk, bring to a boil, then add flour, sugar, and salt. Stir until a ball forms.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Remove from heat, cool slightly, beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Bake: Spoon batter into muffin cups, bake for 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Finish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Nun’s Puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to one day.
- Try filling them with whipped cream or jam for a sweet twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
