If you’ve never tried Nun’s Puffs before, let me tell you: you’re in for a treat that’s equal parts magical, nostalgic, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. These airy golden puffs, made from a remarkably simple choux-style batter, emerge from the oven gloriously crisp, tender, and just sweet enough to brighten breakfast or bring delight to dessert. Whether you dust Nun’s Puffs with powdered sugar or serve them with jam, their cloud-like centers and buttery flavor are bound to charm everyone who tries them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Nun’s Puffs is how approachable the ingredient list is! Each item plays a crucial role, bringing richness, structure, and that signature golden color. Here’s the lineup you’ll need (along with why each makes a difference):
- Whole milk: Delivers moisture and a hint of richness, helping give the puffs their delightfully soft interior.
- Unsalted butter: The star of both flavor and texture—you’ll want real butter for that classic taste and lovely crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch adds the delicate sweetness Nun’s Puffs are loved for.
- Salt: Balances flavors and makes every bite taste brighter and more buttery.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the puffs their essential structure and ensure that gorgeous rise.
- Large eggs: Responsible for creating the puff’s remarkable lift and that glossy, golden-brown finish.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): For a classic, bakery-fresh look and a whisper of extra sweetness.
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing): Helps the puffs dome beautifully and release cleanly from the muffin tin.
How to Make Nun’s Puffs
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with either softened butter or nonstick spray—this step is key, since you want the Nun’s Puffs to rise and release without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Choux Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir steadily as the butter melts and the mixture comes up to a gentle boil; this fuses all those flavors right from the start and readies the base for flour.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Mix
Once your milk mixture is boiling, toss in all of the flour at once. Vigorously stir with a wooden spoon—the mixture should quickly come together as a smooth, thick ball, pulling away from the edges of the pan. This step develops the unique structure Nun’s Puffs need for their airy insides.
Step 4: Cool Briefly, Then Add Eggs
Take the pan off the heat and let your dough cool for five minutes; you want it warm but not hot when adding eggs. Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will transform into a glossy, pipeable batter that’s ready to puff up in the oven.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. Resist the urge to overfill—they’ll expand quite a bit as they bake, and this way they dome beautifully.
Step 6: Bake and Resist Peeking
Bake the Nun’s Puffs in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. This is the crucial moment: do not open the oven, even if you’re tempted! The hot, consistent heat is what gives these puffs their signature height and crispy crust.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Once golden brown and puffed, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin. If you’d like, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a final, bakery-style flourish. Then serve warm, and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve Nun’s Puffs
Garnishes
A gentle shower of powdered sugar truly lets Nun’s Puffs shine, but you can also get playful with honey drizzles, a dab of your favorite jam, or even a touch of whipped cream for extra decadence.
Side Dishes
Pair Nun’s Puffs with seasonal fruit like ripe strawberries or citrus segments for a bright contrast, or serve with a side of crisp bacon or a soft scramble if you’re making these for brunch. Their versatile flavor fits right in next to both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice Nun’s Puffs in half and fill them with flavored whipped cream or lemon curd, or try arranging them on a pretty platter with small bowls of jam and honey for guests to customize their own. They also make dreamily light bases for mini strawberry shortcakes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any Nun’s Puffs left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. They may lose a bit of their crispness, but they’ll still be utterly delicious.
Freezing
Nun’s Puffs freeze beautifully! Once completely cool, pop them into a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat straight from the freezer—no need to thaw first.
Reheating
To revive their crispiness, place Nun’s Puffs on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back their just-baked magic, both inside and out.
FAQs
Why did my Nun’s Puffs collapse after baking?
Nun’s Puffs can deflate if they come out of the oven too soon or if the oven door is opened mid-bake. Be sure to bake them until deliciously golden and resist checking on them until the end for best puff power!
Can I make Nun’s Puffs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep an eye on texture, as results can vary, but you’ll still get fantastic flavor and puff.
Are Nun’s Puffs the same as cream puffs?
Nun’s Puffs use the same basic choux batter as cream puffs, but they’re baked in a muffin tin and served plain. You get all the lightness without the fuss of filling or piping.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the batter?
Yes! For sweet variations, try a spoonful of citrus zest or a splash of vanilla. For a savory twist, omit the sugar and toss in grated cheese or chopped herbs before baking.
How long do Nun’s Puffs stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, but Nun’s Puffs will keep for about a day at room temperature or up to a month in the freezer when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
If your kitchen is calling for something light, classic, and guaranteed to impress, whip up a batch of Nun’s Puffs! Their airy crumb and sweet golden finish make every occasion feel a bit more special, and you’ll be amazed at how easy they are to love (and to bake).
