Nun’s Puffs

Light, airy, and surprisingly simple, Nun’s Puffs are a classic French-inspired pastry that feels indulgent but comes together with pantry staples. With a crispy outside and soft, custard-like center, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nun’s Puffs deliver on all fronts: quick prep, simple ingredients, and show-stopping results. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to whip these up, but your kitchen will certainly smell like a French bakery once they hit the oven. They’re golden, buttery, and irresistibly puffy.

Pure Comfort

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a freshly baked puff that’s warm and slightly sweet. Nun’s Puffs provide that old-fashioned comfort with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or coffee, or serving them to guests, they’re bound to bring smiles all around.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

For Finishing

• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
• Honey or jam for serving (optional)

What You Need

You’ll need a saucepan, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, a muffin tin, and a mixing bowl. No electric mixer required — just a little elbow grease and your oven.

Time to Cook

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin liners.

2. Make the Dough

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture starts to boil.

3. Add the Flour

Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the flour all at once. Return the pan to medium-low heat and stir vigorously for about 1–2 minutes, until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a dough.

4. Cool the Dough Slightly

Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. You want it warm but not hot before adding the eggs.

5. Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will look slippery and separate at first but keep mixing — it will come together into a smooth, glossy batter.

6. Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for a sweet crunch.

7. Bake Until Puffy and Golden

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and fully set. Don’t open the oven early — this helps prevent them from collapsing.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Let them cool slightly, then enjoy warm. Optionally, drizzle with honey or serve with jam for an extra touch of sweetness.

Make It Perfect

Make sure to stir the flour in quickly after removing the milk mixture from the heat. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture. Letting the dough cool slightly before adding eggs prevents scrambling. A little patience pays off here!

Mix It Up

You can flavor the dough with a bit of vanilla extract or lemon zest. For a savory version, skip the sugar and fold in grated cheese or herbs before baking.

Perfect Partners

Nun’s Puffs pair beautifully with:

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Fresh fruit or berries
• Lemon curd or berry compote
• Clotted cream or mascarpone

Busy Day Hero

Need a quick brunch item? These come together in under an hour and make your kitchen smell like heaven. They’re also easy to transport, making them great for potlucks and get-togethers.

Work Ahead

You can make the batter a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, bake and freeze the puffs, then reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm and crisp.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, pop them in a low oven for 5–7 minutes. They freeze beautifully for up to a month.

Everyone’s Happy

From kids to adults, these little puffs are a crowd-pleaser. They’re just sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings but light enough for a breakfast pastry.

Good For You Too

While these aren’t diet food, they’re made from real ingredients and have no artificial flavors or preservatives. You can also reduce sugar slightly or use whole milk alternatives to fit your preferences.

Easy Clean Up

Since it all starts in one pot and finishes in a muffin tin, you’ll have minimal mess to deal with. No mixer, no fancy tools, and barely any cleanup — that’s a win in our book.

Switch It Up

Try stuffing them! Once cooled, slice and fill with whipped cream, custard, or even a dollop of Nutella. You could even try savory fillings like herbed cream cheese or ham and cheese.

Simply Perfect

Nun’s Puffs are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and technique. With just eggs, flour, and milk, you get a cloud-like pastry that’s satisfying and elegant. Whether served plain or dressed up, they never fail to impress.

FAQs

1. Why are they called Nun’s Puffs?
The name comes from French “pets de nonne,” humorously translating to “nun’s farts” — likely a nod to their light and airy texture.

2. Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
Nope! A wooden spoon and a little arm strength are all you need to make this dough smooth and glossy.

3. Can I make Nun’s Puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can store the batter or freeze baked puffs for later. They reheat well in the oven.

4. Why did my puffs collapse?
Most often, they collapse if the oven is opened too early or the dough is too runny. Be sure to follow steps closely for best texture.

5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, though texture might vary slightly.

6. Are they supposed to be hollow inside?
Yes! The inside should be airy and custard-like, thanks to the steam from the eggs and milk.

7. What can I serve with Nun’s Puffs?
They go great with coffee, tea, honey, jams, fruit, or whipped cream — sweet or savory, you’ve got options.

Conclusion

Nun’s Puffs are a delightful treat that brings a touch of French pastry magic into your home with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or sneaking one the next day, they never lose their charm. With their cloud-like texture, rich flavor, and endless versatility, these puffs just might become your new go-to bake.

Light & Sweet Recipes to Enjoy with Nun’s Puffs

If these melt-in-your-mouth Nun’s Puffs brought joy to your kitchen, here are more light and lovely recipes to explore next! For a simple and protein-packed start, the soft Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread is a low-carb delight. Looking for a fruity complement? A swipe of Homemade Blueberry Butter turns any puff or pastry into something extra special. For brunch-worthy fun, the bite-sized Mini Pancakes offer fluffy goodness on repeat. Sweeten up your spread with a slice of the vibrant Orange Creamsicle Cake—perfect for citrus lovers. And if you’re into crisp-meets-creamy texture, don’t miss the Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons for a fun and fruity twist.

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