Description
Nun’s Puffs are light, airy pastry puffs made from a choux-like dough that is baked until golden and puffed. These delightful treats have a slightly sweet flavor and a tender, hollow interior perfect for drizzling with honey or topping with whipped cream and fruit. They make an elegant and comforting dessert or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
Optional Ingredients
- ½–1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
- Honey (for serving)
- Whipped cream or fruit (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the puffs.
- Melt butter and heat milk: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the milk and bring the mixture to a low boil, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the flour properly.
- Add flour to form dough: Stir in all the flour at once. Mix vigorously using a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, indicating it has cooked enough to remove the raw taste.
- Cool dough: Remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs when they are added.
- Incorporate eggs: Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This process creates a smooth, glossy dough that will puff up nicely when baked.
- Add sugar (optional): If you prefer a slightly sweeter puff, stir in ½ to 1 tablespoon of sugar at this stage to balance the flavor.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the dough evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each for a crunchy, caramelized finish.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the puffs are well risen, golden brown, and have a hollow interior.
- Serve: Serve the Nun’s Puffs warm, drizzled with honey and/or topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Ensure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling.
- Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
- Use fresh eggs for best texture and rise.
- These puffs are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures equally.
