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Chef Ava

Classic Nun's Puffs

These Classic Nun's Puffs are light, golden, airy pastries with crisp exteriors and soft, custardy centers. Made with simple pantry ingredients using a classic choux-style batter, they're baked in a muffin tin until beautifully puffed, then served warm with a sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of honey. Ready in just 35 minutes, they're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 puffs
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2-1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
  • granulated sugar, for sprinkling
  • honey, for serving
  • whipped cream and fresh fruit (optional)

Equipment

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • medium saucepan
  • wooden spoon
  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer or sturdy whisk For beating in the eggs.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Generously grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and milk over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture just begins to simmer.
  3. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour all at once until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Cool the dough for 3–5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in the optional sugar.
  5. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the batter.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until tall, deeply golden, and crisp. Do not open the oven door during baking.
  7. Allow the puffs to cool for a few minutes in the muffin tin.
  8. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and drizzle with honey. Serve warm with whipped cream and fresh fruit if desired.

Notes

Generously grease the muffin tin, let the dough cool for 3–5 minutes before adding the eggs, beat in the eggs one at a time until the batter is smooth and glossy, and never open the oven during baking or the puffs may collapse. Serve within 15 minutes of baking for the crispiest texture.