Save Pin
These Nun's Puffs are a traditional choux treat baked in muffin tins until they're golden, airy and wonderfully light. They're finished with a sprinkle of sugar and honey drizzle for a treat that's both fancy and simple. Their airy feel and basic ingredients always bring back warm memories in my home.
The first time we made Nun's Puffs together, my kids couldn't stop giggling as they watched them rise so high in the oven, and now they've turned into our go-to weekend baking project.
What You'll Need
- Butter: Get good quality unsalted butter for the best taste - make sure it's fresh with no weird smell
- Milk: Go for whole milk to make your puffs soft and tasty - the fresher the better
- All purpose flour: This gives your puffs their shape - don't pack it down when measuring
- Eggs: Let them sit out until they reach room temp for better mixing and bigger puffs - pick large ones with nice yellow yolks
- Sugar (Optional): Add a bit to the mix for sweetness and toss some on top for a crispy finish - regular white sugar works great
- Honey (For serving): A nice flowery honey adds sweetness and subtle flavor - try to grab something local
- Optional toppings: Try whipped cream or fresh fruits to make each serving pop - whatever's in season works best
How To Make Them
- Prepare The Base:
- Put butter in a medium pot over low flame then pour in milk and warm it until you see tiny bubbles around the edge Don't let it boil hard just get it warm enough to shimmer
- Mix In Flour:
- Throw all your flour into the warm butter-milk mix at once Mix constantly with a strong wooden spoon It'll look chunky at first Keep stirring over gentle heat until everything comes together in a smooth ball That's how you build texture
- Let It Rest:
- Give the dough about five minutes to cool down This helps you add eggs without cooking them
- Work In Eggs:
- Mix in eggs one by one Stir hard with your wooden spoon The mix might look broken after the first egg Just keep working after each new egg until it's smooth This part needs some muscle and patience to get really shiny
- Prep Your Pan:
- Grease your muffin tin thoroughly including the top edges so nothing sticks Share the dough evenly between twelve cups Two spoons or a small ice cream scoop makes this easier Dust the tops with sugar for extra sparkle
- Pop In Oven:
- Put your pan on the middle shelf Bake at 375°F for around thirty minutes Your puffs should stand tall and turn deep gold If you grab them too early they'll sink so wait until they feel firm on top
- Enjoy Them:
- Cool slightly before putting on plates Drizzle warm honey over them and add whipped cream or berries if you want
Save Pin
What I love most is watching them grow in the oven window - as a kid this seemed like pure magic to me I still get that same childlike wonder whenever I bake them
Keeping Them Fresh
Keep your Nun's Puffs in a sealed container at room temp for up to two days To bring back their crunch warm them in a 300° oven for five minutes You can freeze them for up to a month Just thaw them out and toast before eating
Swap Ideas
Try half and half instead of milk for extra richness Plant milks like almond or oat will work too but they'll change the texture a bit Use maple syrup instead of honey or throw in some orange zest to brighten things up
Ways To Enjoy
Pair Nun's Puffs with hot coffee or tea for a morning treat Or create a dessert spread with different fresh berries whipped cream or even some caramel sauce A light dusting of powdered sugar works wonders too
Save Pin
History Behind The Treat
Nun's Puffs also called pets de nonne go back hundreds of years and got their name from the nuns who first made them in European convents They showcase the creativity and baking talents found in traditional European cooking and are cherished for their simple nature just as much as their rich past
Common Questions
- → What texture should Nun's Puffs have?
They ought to be light and puffy, showing a golden crunchy outside with a pillowy, gentle inside.
- → Can I add sugar to the dough?
You can mix in a tiny bit of sugar for extra sweetness, though traditional ones are just slightly sweet and get more flavor from what you put on top.
- → Which toppings pair well with Nun's Puffs?
Stuff like honey, whipped cream, fresh fruit, berries, or caramel sauce goes really well with these airy pastries.
- → Why bake Nun's Puffs in a muffin pan?
A muffin pan helps them grow taller, keep their nice shape, and get an even brown crust all around.
- → How do I know when the puffs are done?
Your puffs are ready when they've grown big, turned golden brown, and sound empty when you gently tap the tops.