Name: Nun’s Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you’ve never had Nun’s Puffs, you’re in for a real treat! These airy, golden pastries are spectacularly light, subtly sweet, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to snag one while they’re still warm from the oven. With their crisp edges and custardy centers, Nun’s Puffs are the sort of dessert that spark happy memories and always leave people reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just discovering the joy of choux-style pastries, this recipe brings a charming bit of French tradition into your home kitchen with remarkable ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Nun’s Puffs so delightful is just how few ingredients are involved, and how each one contributes to that signature puff and flavor. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be amazed at what magic a humble lineup can create!

Whole Milk: The key to a creamy, rich batter that bakes up to be perfectly custardy inside.
Unsalted Butter: Adds luscious flavor and helps create that classic, tender choux texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives enough structure to the batter so your puffs rise tall and hold their shape.
Large Eggs: The secret to that dreamy, airy texture—each egg is beaten in for cloud-like lift.
Granulated Sugar: Just a hint, but it brings a pop of sweetness that balances the richness.
Salt: Brightens up the flavors so every bite sings—not to be skipped!
Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting on top, offering a delicate, pretty finish and a whisper of sweetness.

How to Make Nun’s Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start your Nun’s Puffs journey by preheating the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin—these little molds are the perfect size for your puffs, ensuring they rise up beautifully and don’t stick when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Warm the Milk and Butter

In a medium saucepan, combine your whole milk and unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir gently until the butter melts completely and the mixture is just about to reach a gentle boil. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Stir in the Flour

Remove the pan from the heat and, working quickly, add all the flour at once. Stir with energy! The dough will come together rapidly to form a soft ball that pulls away from the sides of your saucepan.

Step 4: Cook the Dough Ball

Return the pan to the stovetop and keep stirring vigorously for a minute or two. This helps dry out the dough slightly—essential for those signature Nun’s Puffs air pockets. When it looks glossy and cohesive, remove from the heat again.

Step 5: Cool and Beat in the Eggs

Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Then, one at a time, beat in the eggs—mixing thoroughly after each. Don’t rush this step! You’ll see the batter transform into a glossy, silky concoction that holds a soft peak.

Step 6: Sweeten and Season

Stir in the sugar and salt, ensuring everything is well distributed. This final touch ensures every bite of your Nun’s Puffs is full of flavor.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. This leaves just the right amount of room for the puffs to rise and dome.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the Nun’s Puffs are deeply golden and firm. Remember, resist the urge to open the oven door! A steady temperature is key for perfect puffing.

Step 9: Cool and Finish

Let your Nun’s Puffs cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing. If you want, dust them with a snow-like sprinkle of powdered sugar for that irresistible final flourish.

How to Serve Nun’s Puffs

Garnishes

For a classic touch, a generous dusting of powdered sugar never fails to elevate Nun’s Puffs. Feeling fancy? Try a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of tangy jam—each bite becomes a mini celebration.

Side Dishes

While Nun’s Puffs happily steal any dessert table, they pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a tart fruit compote. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side? Utter bliss for those who love the warm-and-cold contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at a brunch or afternoon tea? Stack Nun’s Puffs on a pretty cake stand and scatter edible flowers or citrus zest over the top. Or, for an interactive treat, let guests fill their own puffs with whipped cream, lemon curd, or chocolate sauce at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have a few Nun’s Puffs left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Their texture is at its absolute best the day they’re made, but you can also keep them in the fridge for two to three days—just know they’ll soften a bit.

Freezing

Nun’s Puffs freeze surprisingly well! Arrange the cooled puffs on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. When the craving strikes, you’re never far from fresh-baked bliss.

Reheating

To re-crisp Nun’s Puffs, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes straight from the fridge or freezer. This revives their delicate shell and makes them almost as swoon-worthy as when first baked.

FAQs

Why did my Nun’s Puffs collapse after baking?

The most common culprit is opening the oven door during baking or removing them too soon. Keep the oven closed, bake until deep golden and firm, and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before lifting out.

Can I make Nun’s Puffs with non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can use an unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat. The final flavor and texture may differ slightly, but they should still puff up nicely.

Can I add flavorings to the batter?

Absolutely! A splash of vanilla extract or a little zest from a lemon or orange can give your Nun’s Puffs an extra layer of flavor. Stir it in with the eggs or sugar and salt.

What’s the best pan to use for Nun’s Puffs?

A standard 12-cup muffin tin is recommended, as it shapes the puffs beautifully and helps them crisp on all sides. If you only have mini muffin pans, adjust the baking time downward and watch for golden color.

Do Nun’s Puffs need to be served warm?

While they’re showstopping when served warm and fresh, Nun’s Puffs are also delicious at room temperature. If making ahead, a quick stint in the oven brings them right back to their original glory.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines French flair with homey comfort, Nun’s Puffs are pure joy in pastry form. They’re easy enough for a weeknight indulgence but special enough for guests—so don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and treat your loved ones to a true classic. You’ll be amazed at just how delightful (and addictive!) these little beauties can be.

Nun’s Puffs Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 puffs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Nun’s Puffs are delightful French pastries made with choux pastry that puffs up beautifully while baking. These light and airy treats are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Milk Mixture:

1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter

Puff Batter:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional:

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Prepare milk mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour all at once.
Form the batter: Return the pan to the heat and stir vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the batter is smooth and glossy. Stir in the sugar and salt.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and firm to the touch. Do not open the oven during baking.
Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.