Ingredients
Fluffy Nun’s Puffs Recipe
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
Vegetable oil or non-stick cooking spray, for muffin tin
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a standard 12-cup muffin tin by lightly greasing each cup with vegetable oil or non-stick spray.
This ensures the puffs rise without sticking to the pan.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, and salt. Stir gently as the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
Once boiling, quickly add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously. Continue stirring until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for a few minutes. It should be warm but not hot when you begin adding the eggs.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will look a little slick or broken at first, but keep stirring—it will come together into a smooth, thick batter.
Spoon the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about halfway. The dough will puff and rise quite a bit in the oven.
Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the puffs are deeply golden and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
How to Make
Making Nun’s Puffs starts with a pâte à choux dough, which might sound fancy but is incredibly beginner-friendly. The key is to cook the flour with butter and water before adding eggs.
You’ll begin by boiling butter, water, and salt to create the base for the dough. Once it’s bubbling, dump in your flour and stir like crazy until the dough balls up.
Letting the dough cool just a bit before adding eggs is essential. If it’s too hot, the eggs might scramble instead of blending into a smooth batter.
Each egg should be fully mixed in before adding the next. This step can take a little elbow grease, but the result is a glossy, scoopable dough.
The muffin tin setup gives the puffs their unique shape. Fill each cup halfway; they need room to rise and expand into golden clouds.
Baking at the right temperature ensures the inside cooks through while the outside becomes crisp and golden. Resist opening the oven early to avoid collapse.
When they’re done, a dusting of powdered sugar finishes them off. You can also serve them with jam, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey if you want to get fancy.
Variations
For a sweeter puff, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a bit of cinnamon to the dough before baking. This gives the pastries a warm, comforting flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something more decadent, consider filling the puffs with pastry cream or whipped cream once they’ve cooled. Just poke a hole and pipe it in.
Add citrus zest—like lemon or orange—to the batter for a bright twist. It pairs beautifully with the rich, eggy dough.
A savory version is possible too. Skip the powdered sugar and mix in grated cheese and herbs for an appetizer-style puff.
Top the puffs with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a thin drizzle of melted chocolate, for extra indulgence.
Try baking them in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats. They’ll cook a bit faster and make great party snacks.
For a rustic finish, roll the warm puffs in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar. It adds crunch and flavor.
Tips
Make sure to measure your flour accurately—too much can make the dough too stiff, affecting the rise and texture.
Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking and ensures a smooth batter.
Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer for adding the eggs. It takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it for that perfect fluffy texture.
Fill muffin cups only halfway; the puffs expand a lot during baking and need space to grow.
Don’t open the oven during baking. Sudden temperature changes can cause the puffs to deflate.
Let the puffs sit in the pan a few minutes before removing. This helps them finish cooking and makes them easier to handle.
Store leftover puffs in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to regain their crispness.
Conclusion
Nun’s Puffs are a timeless treat that blends simplicity with elegance. With a crispy outside, a custard-like center, and a sweet dusting on top, they’re the kind of pastry that disappears fast at any gathering.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with fillings and flavors, these little puffs always hit the spot. They’re light, fun to make, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.
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