Golden Airy Nun's Puffs (Printable Version)
Light, airy pastries with hollow centers perfect for sweet fillings - a simplified choux pastry baked in muffin tins for elegant results.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Puffs
01 -
1 stick (113g) unsalted butter
02 -
240ml whole milk
03 -
95g all-purpose flour
04 -
4 large eggs, at room temperature
05 -
1/2-1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional for the dough
06 -
2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
→ For Serving
07 -
Honey, for drizzling
08 -
Whipped cream
09 -
Fresh berries or sliced fruit
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan, coating both the inside cups and the top rim of each cup to prevent sticking as puffs rise.
02 -
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add milk and bring the mixture to a low boil, watching carefully for small bubbles forming around the edges.
03 -
Once the milk mixture is gently boiling, add all flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1-2 minutes.
04 -
Remove saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when added to the mixture.
05 -
Add eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously with a wooden spoon until each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough will initially look separated but will become smooth and glossy with continued stirring. If using, add the optional sugar with the last egg.
06 -
Divide the dough evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Sprinkle each generously with sugar to create a sweet, crisp top during baking.
07 -
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, until puffs are well-risen and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes to prevent collapse.
08 -
Remove puffs from the oven and let cool in the pan for just 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove while still warm and serve immediately with honey, whipped cream, and fresh berries if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Nun's Puffs are a simplified version of French choux pastry, baked in a muffin tin for easy portion control and a beautiful presentation
02 -
These puffs are versatile - they can be served with sweet toppings for dessert or breakfast, or made savory by omitting the sugar and filling with cheese or savory spreads
03 -
The puffs are hollow in the center when fully baked, creating the perfect space for fillings like whipped cream, custard, or fruit
04 -
For the best results, consume these puffs the same day they're made, when they're at their most crisp and airy