Nun’s Puffs Recipe

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Nun’s Puffs are a classic French-inspired pastry made from simple choux dough. These delightful puffs bake up tall, golden, and airy with crisp exteriors and soft, custardy centers. Traditionally served warm with butter, honey, or jam, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 12 puffs

Ingredients

For the Puffs

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

For the Topping

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Optional for Serving

  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Fruit preserves
  • Lemon curd
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • Muffin pan (12-cup)
  • Pastry brush
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Generously grease a 12-cup muffin pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine:

  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture just begins to boil.

Reduce the heat to low.

Add all the flour at once.

Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.

Continue stirring for another minute to remove excess moisture.

Remove from the heat.

Step 3: Cool Slightly

Let the dough cool for 5 minutes.

It should still be warm but not hot enough to cook the eggs.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

At first, the dough may look separated—keep mixing until it becomes smooth before adding the next egg.

Stir in the vanilla extract, if using.

The finished batter should be glossy, thick, and pipeable.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Pan

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.

Smooth the tops lightly with the back of a damp spoon if needed.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the puffs are deeply golden, puffed, and crisp.

Do not open the oven door during the first 25 minutes, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.

Step 7: Finish

Remove the puffs from the oven.

Brush the tops with melted butter.

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over the warm puffs.

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for about 5 minutes.

Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Nun’s Puffs

  • Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
  • Add the eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly after each addition.
  • Don’t skip drying the dough on the stove—it helps the puffs rise.
  • Avoid opening the oven too early.
  • Serve the puffs fresh from the oven for the best texture.

Flavor Variations

Lemon Sugar

Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with lemon zest mixed into sugar.

Chocolate

Drizzle cooled puffs with melted dark or milk chocolate.

Filled Nun’s Puffs

Slice each puff in half and fill with:

  • Vanilla pastry cream
  • Sweetened whipped cream
  • Lemon curd
  • Chocolate mousse

Savory Version

Omit the sugar and vanilla, then add:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Chopped fresh herbs

Serve with soups or salads.

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