If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a breakfast treat that’s as pillowy as it is golden and crisp, Nun’s Puffs are about to become your new go-to recipe. These delicate pastries puff up gorgeously in the oven, revealing an airy, tender center that’s pure joy to bite into, with just a hint of sweetness. Whether served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled with honey, this classic recipe is a testament to how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something truly magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Nun’s Puffs lies in their simplicity: each ingredient plays its own special role, from the richness of the eggs to the buttery undertones. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters for achieving those perfect golden domes.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create the steam necessary for the puffs to rise tall and airy.
- Unsalted butter: Provides flavor and moisture, ensuring a tender, flavorful crumb in each puff.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Gives the dough a subtle sweetness that enhances every bite.
- Salt: A tiny amount, but it brightens and balances all the flavors so your Nun’s Puffs aren’t bland.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the recipe; it forms the structure of the dough, helping the puffs rise and set beautifully.
- Large eggs: The secret to that silky, glossy dough and those big, impressive puffs.
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling): This final touch on top caramelizes as the Nun’s Puffs bake, creating a beautiful, slightly crisp top.
- Honey or powdered sugar (optional): For an elegant finish—choose your favorite or try both!
How to Make Nun’s Puffs
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray—this helps each Nun’s Puff slide out effortlessly once baked. Proper pan prep is essential, as that beautiful puff and rise can stick if the pan isn’t well-coated.
Step 2: Make the Dough Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and salt. Stir gently as the butter melts and everything comes to a gentle boil. The aroma at this stage is already inviting! Once it’s bubbling softly and everything is combined, you’re ready for the flour.
Step 3: Stir in the Flour
Add the flour all at once. Take a sturdy wooden spoon and stir vigorously—it’ll look a little messy at first, but keep going. Soon, the mixture will transform into a smooth, thick ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step, just a couple of minutes, is the key to getting a reliable puff.
Step 4: Cool, Then Beat in Eggs
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This short pause ensures the eggs won’t scramble when you add them. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth, glossy, and a little elastic. This is where Nun’s Puffs get their signature texture—don’t rush the mixing here!
Step 5: Spoon and Sprinkle
Divide the dough evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about halfway. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining sugar. This is the step that gives Nun’s Puffs their irresistible, caramelized crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Whatever you do, resist the urge to open the oven door! Peek with the oven light if you must, but an open oven can deflate the puffs. When they’re towering and deeply golden, they’re ready to come out.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Let the Nun’s Puffs cool for a couple of minutes, then serve them warm. Finish with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar if you like. They’re at their very best when fresh and still fluffy inside!
How to Serve Nun’s Puffs
Garnishes
The finishing touches can elevate your Nun’s Puffs to sublime: a generous drizzle of honey will soak into the warm pastries, adding floral sweetness, while a light snowfall of powdered sugar makes for a pretty and classic look. For a brunch spread, orange zest or a spoonful of fruit preserves are great too.
Side Dishes
Nun’s Puffs pair fantastically with simple, fresh sides. Try them with an assortment of sliced fruit, a vibrant fruit salad, or creamy Greek yogurt on the side. For something more savory, add crisp bacon or herby scrambled eggs—you’ll love the contrast!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your table into a showpiece by serving Nun’s Puffs on a vintage cake stand, or line them up in a rustic basket with a linen napkin. For parties, try individual paper cupcake wrappers, or stack them high with a scattering of fresh berries to bring a pop of color. Little jars of flavored honey or spread alongside make for a fun DIY topping bar, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any Nun’s Puffs left (they tend to disappear quickly!), allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Their unique texture shines best on the first day, but they’re still enjoyable the next morning.
Freezing
Nun’s Puffs can be frozen if you want to plan ahead. Simply cool them fully, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their goodness for up to 1 month—perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat Nun’s Puffs in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This restores their crisp exterior and warms the centers beautifully. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Why did my Nun’s Puffs collapse after baking?
This usually happens if the oven door was opened during baking, or if they were removed before fully set. Patience is key—let them turn a deep golden brown without peeking!
Can I add vanilla extract or other flavors?
Absolutely! A splash of vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma, and you can even try a bit of citrus zest or a pinch of cinnamon to play up the flavor profile. Just add with the eggs for best results.
Do Nun’s Puffs taste like cream puffs?
They’re quite similar—both are based on a choux-style dough—but Nun’s Puffs are a bit richer and often baked in muffin tins instead of piped, giving them a heartier, more rustic charm.
Can I make Nun’s Puffs gluten free?
Choux-style recipes like Nun’s Puffs do rely on flour for their signature structure, but some readers have reported success substituting a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Results can vary, so experiment in small batches.
What’s the best way to serve Nun’s Puffs for a party?
Serve them warm on a platter, offer toppings like honey and powdered sugar nearby, and encourage guests to help themselves! Their delicate, impressive look makes them a natural crowd-pleaser, especially for brunches or showers.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Nun’s Puffs recipe enough—there’s something a little magical about how effortlessly they puff and how wonderful they taste. If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that feels both classic and new, give it a try. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your guests (or just you) will be smiling with every bite!
Print
Nun’s Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nun’s Puffs are delightful choux pastry muffins that make for a perfect breakfast or anytime treat. These light and airy puffs are easy to make and are sure to impress with their golden, puffed appearance.
Ingredients
For the Puffs:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- honey or powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Prepare the dough: In a saucepan, combine milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Add flour and stir until a smooth ball forms. Let it cool, then beat in eggs one at a time.
- Bake the puffs: Divide the batter into muffin cups, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with honey or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Best served fresh
- For added flavor, consider using a splash of vanilla extract in the dough
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
