These Fluffy Nun’s Puffs are light, airy, and utterly irresistible. These delicate pastries are made with choux pastry dough, baked to golden perfection, and filled with a creamy vanilla custard or whipped cream. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Perfect for tea time, parties, or dessert, these puffs are sure to impress!
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cook Time
- 30 minutes
Total Time
- 50 minutes
Servings
- 12–15 puffs
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 2 cups whipped cream (or vanilla pastry cream/custard)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry Dough
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the flour using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix vigorously until the dough comes together into a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This step cooks the flour slightly and removes excess moisture.
- Return the pan to low heat and cook the dough for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry it out further. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough will initially look lumpy but will smooth out as you mix. The final dough should be shiny, smooth, and thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
Step 4: Pipe the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off).
- Pipe small mounds of dough (about 1–1.5 inches wide) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
- Use a wet fingertip to gently smooth any peaks on the piped dough, which helps prevent burning during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Puffs
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the puffs are golden brown, puffed up, and feel hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- During baking, avoid opening the oven door, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
Step 6: Cool the Puffs
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the puffs sit in the warm oven for 5 minutes to dry out further.
- Transfer the puffs to a wire rack and let them cool completely before filling.
Step 7: Fill the Puffs
- Once cooled, slice the puffs horizontally or poke a small hole in the bottom of each puff.
- Fill a piping bag with whipped cream or vanilla custard and pipe the filling into the puffs until they’re plump and full.
Step 8: Dust and Serve
- Dust the filled puffs generously with powdered sugar just before serving. Arrange them on a plate and enjoy their fluffy, creamy goodness!
Pro Tips
- Egg Consistency: If the dough seems too stiff after adding the eggs, add a teaspoon of water or milk to loosen it slightly.
- Filling Options: Swap whipped cream for pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or even fruit preserves for variety.
- Storage: Store unfilled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Fill them just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Facts (Per Puff, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Fluffy Nun’s Puffs are a classic pastry that combines a crisp, golden exterior with a soft, airy interior and a creamy, indulgent filling. They’re surprisingly easy to make and always feel elegant and special. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these puffs are sure to delight.
Ready to whip up these heavenly treats? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy light, airy, and creamy perfection—perfect for any occasion!
