Nun's Puffs (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Puffs

01 - 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
05 - 1/2-1 tablespoon granulated sugar, optional for the dough
06 - 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top

→ For Serving (Optional)

07 - Honey, for drizzling
08 - Whipped cream
09 - Fresh berries or sliced fruit

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan, making sure to coat both the inside cups and the top rim of each cup. This greasing step is crucial as the puffs will rise and might stick to the edges.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a low boil, watching carefully so it doesn't boil over. You'll see small bubbles forming around the edges when it's ready.
03 - Once the milk and butter mixture is gently boiling, add all of the flour at once. Immediately begin stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep the saucepan over low heat and continue stirring until the mixture comes together into a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes of constant stirring.
04 - Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling step is important - if the dough is too hot when you add the eggs, they'll cook instead of incorporating smoothly. The dough should be warm but not hot enough to cook an egg.
05 - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously with a wooden spoon after each addition until fully incorporated. Be patient during this step - when you first add each egg, the dough will look separated and broken, but keep stirring and it will come back together into a smooth, glossy paste before you add the next egg. If using, add the optional 1/2-1 tablespoon of sugar with the last egg.
06 - Divide the dough evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. The cups should be about 2/3 to 3/4 full - don't overfill them as the puffs will rise significantly during baking. Sprinkle each filled cup generously with sugar, which will create a sweet, slightly crisp top as they bake.
07 - Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the puffs are well-risen, puffy, and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
08 - Remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool in the pan for just 2-3 minutes. Then carefully remove them from the pan while still warm. Serve immediately while warm, with a generous drizzle of honey over each puff. For an extra special treat, offer whipped cream and fresh berries alongside.

# Notes:

01 - Nun's Puffs are a simplified version of French choux pastry, baked in a muffin tin for easy portion control and a beautiful presentation.
02 - These puffs are versatile - they can be served with sweet toppings for dessert or breakfast, or made savory by omitting the sugar and filling with cheese or savory spreads.
03 - The puffs are hollow in the center when fully baked, creating the perfect space for fillings like whipped cream, custard, or fruit.
04 - For the best results, consume these puffs the same day they're made, when they're at their most crisp and airy.

Back