Description
Nun’s Puffs are a classic French choux pastry, known for their golden, airy texture and subtle sweetness. Prepared with pantry staples including butter, milk, flour, and eggs, the dough is mixed, piped into muffin tins, and baked until tall and craggy. Optionally sprinkled with sugar and finished with honey, Nun’s Puffs make a delightful breakfast, snack, or elegant dessert. Their crisp exterior and tender interiors are achieved through a unique cooking method, balancing both richness and lightness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- Additional granulated sugar for sprinkling on top
- Honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin, coating bottoms, sides, and rims.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add milk and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until mixture forms a cohesive ball. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Dough will become smooth and thick, resembling stiff muffin batter.
- Divide dough evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Sprinkle each with a pinch of sugar.
- Bake 30 minutes or until puffs are tall, golden brown, and craggy.
- Immediately transfer puffs from tin to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm, drizzling with honey if desired.
Notes
Substitute whole milk with non-dairy milk if needed; use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version. For make-ahead, bake and cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To refresh, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Common issues like flat puffs are often due to under-beating eggs or opening the oven door early. Ensure thorough mixing for best rise, and remove promptly from tins to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg