If you’re looking for a deceptively simple yet showstopper treat, Nun’s Puffs are about to become your new obsession! Picture tender, golden shells with a shattering crisp bite that gives way to a creamy, custard-like interior. These gorgeous little puffs deliver melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right touch of sweetness, whether you’ve known them since childhood or are discovering them for the first time. Nun’s Puffs prove that with just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of kitchen magic, you can create a French-inspired dessert that’s impossible to resist and endlessly fun to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Nun’s Puffs earns its place, working together to deliver those beautifully puffed, golden treats with irresistibly light interiors. The lineup keeps things deliciously uncomplicated, so you get big results from simple basics.
- Unsalted butter: Provides the rich, velvety base and crucial flavor that defines every perfect puff.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and a hint of creaminess, supporting that glossy, smooth batter texture.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of Nun’s Puffs, creating structure and a puffed, airy interior.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the custardy flavor without overpowering.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Eggs: These bring the magic! Eggs puff the batter sky-high and create that signature soft, custard-like crumb inside.
- Vanilla extract: Adds beautiful aromatic notes and a warm undertone, elevating the flavor.
- Powdered sugar: A dusting over the top as a final finishing flourish that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Make Nun’s Puffs
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Either grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners to make sure your Nun’s Puffs lift out easily (and with all their glorious crisp edges intact). This little bit of prep guarantees a perfect release when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Create the Buttery Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the whole milk. Watch for those tiny bubbles—once the mixture just starts to simmer, it’s ready! Removing it from the heat at exactly the right moment keeps your puffs delicate and light.
Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Now, add the flour, granulated sugar, and salt all at once. Don’t be shy; dump them in and give everything a quick, confident stir! Place the saucepan back on low heat and keep stirring until the mixture comes together, forming a smooth ball and pulling cleanly from the sides. This early stirring step is what builds the classic “puff” structure we love in Nun’s Puffs.
Step 4: Let It Cool and Add Eggs
Take the pan off the heat and let the dough cool for about five minutes. (This little pause makes sure you don’t accidentally scramble the eggs!) Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. The dough will look separated at first, but keep going—it will transform into a shiny, cohesive batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Fill and Bake to Puffy Perfection
Spoon the glossy batter into your prepared muffin cups, filling each one about halfway. Slide the tin into the hot oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Step away from that oven door—it’s important not to open it while baking, as drafts can deflate the puffs. Once they’re golden brown and gloriously puffed, let them cool just slightly. Finish with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar and get ready for pure delight!
How to Serve Nun’s Puffs
Garnishes
Classic Nun’s Puffs shine with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but you can make them sparkle even more by adding a drizzle of honey, a swipe of your favorite jam, or a few fresh berries. For a lovely pastry-shop look, try tiny edible flowers or a pinch of cinnamon over the powdered sugar.
Side Dishes
These airy treats pair perfectly with a cup of rich coffee, hot chocolate, or a pot of tea. For brunch, serve Nun’s Puffs alongside fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or a citrusy compote for just the right balance of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, split the puffs and fill them with whipped cream or lemon curd for instant cream puff vibes. Arrange them in a pretty basket lined with a colorful napkin and let guests help themselves—they’re irresistibly shareable! For a special occasion, stack Nun’s Puffs into a lovely tower and dust them with extra sugar for a celebratory touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Nun’s Puffs (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They’ll lose a bit of their crispness, but the flavor and creamy texture remain heavenly.
Freezing
Nun’s Puffs actually freeze pretty well! Let them cool completely, then pop them into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently to refresh their texture.
Reheating
Bring Nun’s Puffs back to life by warming them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–8 minutes. This revives their outer crispness while keeping the inside soft—just like when they first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Why did my Nun’s Puffs deflate?
Like many puffed pastries, Nun’s Puffs can deflate if exposed to cold drafts, steam from the oven, or if underbaked. Be sure not to open the oven door while baking, and let them finish golden brown for the best structure.
Can I make Nun’s Puffs ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These puffs are at their best fresh, but you can bake them a few hours ahead and rewarm just before serving. If you need to make them further in advance, freeze and then reheat them; they still taste fantastic.
What variations can I try with Nun’s Puffs?
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try adding citrus zest, a touch of almond extract, or filling them with pastry cream, jam, or lemon curd for a new twist. The basic dough welcomes experimentation!
Can I make Nun’s Puffs gluten free?
For a gluten free version, substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different but still quite lovely.
What’s the origin of Nun’s Puffs?
Nun’s Puffs are inspired by centuries-old French pastries known as pets de nonne, with similar ingredients but their own delightful characteristics. The recipe made its way to American kitchens, where it became a nostalgic brunch or dessert favorite.
Final Thoughts
Whip up a batch of these irresistible Nun’s Puffs and you’ll see why they’ve charmed home bakers for generations. They’re simple, joyful, and wonderfully shareable—each bite is a celebration. I can’t wait for you to taste just how delightful homemade Nun’s Puffs can be!
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Nun’s Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nun’s Puffs are delightful light pastries with a custardy interior and crisp exterior, reminiscent of cream puffs. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a batch of 9–12 sweet, airy puffs that make for a perfect dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- Melt butter and milk: In a saucepan, melt butter with milk over medium heat until just boiling.
- Add dry ingredients: Remove from heat and mix in flour, sugar, and salt until a smooth ball forms.
- Beat in eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well, then stir in vanilla.
- Bake: Spoon batter into muffin cups and bake for 30–35 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Notes
- Nun’s Puffs are best enjoyed fresh as they may deflate over time.
- For a twist, serve with honey or jam.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
