Nun's Puffs Choux Delight

Nun's Puffs are an old-fashioned choux pastry baked in a muffin tin until perfectly golden puffed and light as air. These treats are finished with a shimmer of sugar and a drizzle of honey for a dessert that feels both special and effortless. Their delicate texture and simple ingredients always bring a sense of nostalgia to my kitchen.

The first time I baked Nun's Puffs with my kids we laughed watching them grow so tall in the oven and they have become a family tradition for weekend baking.

Ingredients

• Butter: High quality unsalted butter gives richness and flavor look for a fresh stick with no off smell
• Milk: Whole milk makes the puffs tender and flavorful choose milk that is very fresh
• All purpose flour: Creates structure in the dough scoop then level to avoid packing in too much flour
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the dough blend smoothly and give maximum rise go for large eggs with golden yolks
• Sugar (Optional): Use a little in the dough for extra sweetness and sprinkle on top for a perfect golden crust use classic white sugar
• Honey (For serving): A good floral honey brings added sweetness and a mild floral note pick local honey when possible
• Optional toppings: Whipped cream berries or fresh fruit brighten up each serving look for ripe seasonal fruit

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over gentle heat then add the milk and heat this mixture just until it reaches a low simmer You do not want a rolling boil just gentle bubbles

Add the Flour:

Dump all the flour into the hot butter milk mixture at once Stir constantly using a sturdy wooden spoon The dough will look clumpy and messy at first Keep stirring over low heat until the dough smoothly pulls away from the sides and forms into a ball This step builds structure

Cool Slightly:

Let the dough sit for about five minutes to cool This makes it easier to add eggs without scrambling them

Add Eggs:

Beat in eggs one at a time Stir vigorously with your wooden spoon The dough will look like it is falling apart after the first egg Just keep mixing after each addition until smooth Again this dough needs elbow grease and patience to get very smooth and glossy

Fill Muffin Tin:

Grease the muffin tin well on the inside and rims for easy release Divide the dough evenly into twelve cups It helps to use two spoons or a small scoop Sprinkle the tops with a little sugar for sparkle

Bake:

Place the pan in the center rack Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about thirty minutes The Puffs should be tall puffed and deeply golden If you take them out too soon they will collapse so wait until the tops feel quite firm

Serve:

Let cool slightly and plate the puffs Drizzle honey over while warm and add whipped cream or fresh berries if you like

Pin it

My favorite part is watching them puff in the oven through the glass when I was a kid this felt like magic I still feel that childhood wonder every time

Storage Tips

Store Nun's Puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days To revive their crispness reheat in a 300 degree oven for five minutes They can also be frozen for up to one month Thaw at room temperature and toast again before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the milk for half and half for an even richer pastry Dairy free milks such as almond or oat will work but the texture will be a bit different Lightly sweeten with maple syrup instead of honey or add orange zest to brighten the flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nun's Puffs with hot coffee or tea for brunch Or make a dessert platter with assorted fresh berries whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce These are also wonderful with a dusting of powdered sugar

Pin it

Cultural Context

Nun's Puffs also known as pets de nonne date back several centuries and are named for the nuns who first baked them in European convents They reflect the resourcefulness and skill of traditional European baking and are loved for their simplicity as much as their history

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What texture should Nun's Puffs have?

They should be airy and puffed, with a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, tender interior.

→ Can I add sugar to the dough?

A small amount of sugar can be added for more sweetness, but the classic version is mildly sweet, enhanced by toppings.

→ Which toppings pair well with Nun's Puffs?

Honey, whipped cream, fresh fruit, berries, or caramel all complement the light pastry beautifully.

→ Why bake Nun's Puffs in a muffin pan?

Using a muffin pan helps them rise taller, maintain shape, and develop a uniform golden crust.

→ How do I know when the puffs are done?

Puffs are ready when they are puffed, golden, and the tops sound hollow when tapped lightly.