Nun’s Puffs Recipe

Fluffy, golden, and softly sweet, Nun’s Puffs have been delighting pastry lovers for generations. This classic treat combines the magic of pâte à choux with the simplicity of pantry ingredients, resulting in airy puffs that are crisp on the outside and tender within. Whether you serve them for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a charming dessert, Nun’s Puffs promise to win you over with their enchanting texture and irresistible aroma. Let’s dive in and discover how to master this nostalgic recipe together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making Nun’s Puffs is how effortlessly humble ingredients transform into something downright special. Each item on this list plays a crucial role in delivering the delicate lift, rich flavor, and golden shine that make these puffs unforgettable.

• Butter: This provides essential richness and ensures a beautiful golden crust on every puff.
• Milk: Adds moisture for creaminess, and helps develop that signature soft, airy texture.
• All-purpose flour: Just the right structure for the dough; it creates the sturdy-but-light bite of Nun’s Puffs.
• Eggs: They’re the secret to lift and that beautiful rise, giving the puffs their delicate crumb.
• Sugar (optional for dough): A touch here brings a little extra sweetness if you like your puffs a bit more indulgent.
• Sugar (for sprinkling): This topping gives a subtle crunch and sparkle once baked.
• Honey (optional for serving): Drizzled over warm puffs, honey adds another level of melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Whipped cream, fresh fruit, and berries (options to serve): These finishing touches turn Nun’s Puffs into a show-stopping dessert or brunch dish.

How to Make Nun’s Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease a regular muffin pan, making sure to coat not just the cups but also the rims. This helps Nun’s Puffs rise sky-high, and keeps them from sticking when it’s time to pop them out.

Step 2: Start Your Dough

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter gently. Once it’s completely melted, pour in the milk. Heat this mixture together until it just begins to boil with soft bubbles around the edge, infusing the fat and moisture that bring richness to your puffs.

Step 3: Add the Flour

With the pan still on low heat, dump the flour in all at once. Stir vigorously with a sturdy wooden spoon, watching as the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a smooth ball in the saucepan.

Step 4: Let It Cool

Allow the dough to cool for about five minutes—just enough so it won’t cook the eggs when you add them. Giving the dough time to rest also helps the gluten relax, which leads to a more tender crumb.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs to the dough one at a time, stirring well after each addition. The mixture might look a little strange and even split at first, but keep at it! Soon the dough becomes glossy and smooth, ready for its transformation in the oven.

Step 6: Fill and Sweeten

Spoon the dough evenly into your prepared muffin cups. For a delightful touch, sprinkle each one with a little sugar. This gives Nun’s Puffs a lovely, golden, caramelized top that’s hard to resist.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll love watching the puffs bloom into golden domes. When they’re ready, they’ll be puffed, lightly browned, and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 8: Serve with Honey

While they’re still warm, drizzle the puffs with honey. If you’re feeling extra fancy, top them with whipped cream or a handful of juicy fresh berries. Serve immediately and delight in every bite!

How to Serve Nun’s Puffs

Garnishes

While Nun’s Puffs are heavenly just as they are, you can turn up their appeal with a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar or a fresh drizzle of honey. For a celebratory feel, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of bright berries on top. These garnishes not only look inviting but add extra flavor and fun to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair Nun’s Puffs with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of berries for breakfast, or serve them alongside a hot pot of tea for a delightfully old-fashioned afternoon treat. For dessert, they’re wonderful with a side of vanilla ice cream or thick Greek yogurt to balance the puffs’ gentle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or brunch gatherings, split Nun’s Puffs and fill them with pastry cream, lemon curd, or jam for a twist reminiscent of cream puffs. Stack them high on a cake stand with fresh mint, or serve in pretty paper liners for an easy, portable treat that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Nun’s Puffs (which is a rare occasion!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep in mind, their delicate crispness is best eaten fresh, but they’re still delightful after gentle storage.

Freezing

Nun’s Puffs freeze surprisingly well. Once cooled completely, pack them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their lovely texture for up to a month—simply thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring Nun’s Puffs back to their just-baked glory, pop them into a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for five to seven minutes. This refreshes their exterior crispness, making leftovers taste almost like the first batch.

FAQs

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! Try incorporating a hint of vanilla extract, a little lemon zest, or even a dash of cinnamon into the dough to personalize your Nun’s Puffs. These little twists can add lovely, subtle dimensions to their classic flavor.

Why did my puffs deflate after baking?

This usually means they weren’t baked long enough, or the oven door was opened too early. Be patient and let them turn beautifully golden—keeping the oven closed helps maintain the steam that creates their airy lift.

Can Nun’s Puffs be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free blend. Just be sure to use one that’s intended for 1:1 substitution in baking to maintain the right structure and rise.

Are Nun’s Puffs supposed to taste eggy?

They do have a subtle egg flavor, similar to popovers or classic cream puffs, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming. Using fresh eggs and balancing flavors with a hint of sweetener or garnish helps mellow any strong eggy notes.

Can I make Nun’s Puffs entirely in advance?

For the best results, bake them close to serving time. However, you can prepare the dough ahead, then fill and bake when you’re ready—this ensures you get that perfect puff and fresh-from-the-oven flavor.

Final Thoughts

Few pastries deliver simple joy quite like Nun’s Puffs. With a handful of ingredients and a whole lot of heart, you can whip up a batch that will put a smile on every face at your table. Give this recipe a try and let these airy, golden puffs become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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