Nun’s Puffs
Get ready to fall in love with one of the most delightful little pastries you’ve probably never heard of Nun’s Puffs! These sweet, airy bites are part cream puff, part beignet, and 100% magical. Light as clouds with just the right touch of crispiness on the outside and a custard-like softness inside, they’re a throwback to simpler times and homestyle baking. Trust me, once you try one warm out of the oven, you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life.
Why You’ll Love Nun’s Puffs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re surprising your family with a whimsical breakfast, prepping a cute tea-time treat, or indulging in some nostalgic baking, Nun’s Puffs will fit right in. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile:
Perfect as a sweet breakfast, a brunch side, or even a dessert when drizzled with honey or jam.
Budget-Friendly:
Made from super basic ingredients like butter, eggs, and flour no special trip to the store required.
Quick and Easy:
No yeast, no kneading, no stress. These beauties come together fast with just one pot and one bowl.
Customizable:
Want to jazz them up with cinnamon sugar, lemon zest, or jam? Go for it. You can even turn them savory!
Crowd-Pleasing:
Kids love their popover texture, adults love their nostalgic charm everyone goes back for seconds (and thirds).
Ingredients in Nun’s Puffs
You won’t believe how a handful of ingredients can turn into something so irresistibly puffy and golden. Here’s what makes the magic happen:
- Butter: Adds richness and that classic pastry flavor.
- Milk: Helps create the tender, custard-like interior.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough simple, sturdy, and dependable.
- Eggs: Lots of them! They puff up the batter and create that airy, hollow texture.
- Sugar: Just enough to add a subtle sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to each bite.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these fluffy, golden bites of goodness:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add the milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once, stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Let the dough cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and smooth. Stir in the sugar and vanilla.
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. The batter will be sticky and thick that’s exactly what you want.
Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and puffed up dramatically. No peeking! Opening the oven too soon can deflate your puffs.
Finishing Touches:
Let them cool for just a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll deflate slightly as they cool that’s normal.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm and fresh from the oven. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or enjoy them just as they are.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 130
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Nun’s Puffs
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with tea or coffee for a lovely breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for an extra-sweet bite.
- Pair with fresh fruit or jam for a fruity finish.
- Dust with cinnamon sugar for a churro-like twist.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t overmix after adding the eggs just enough to get a smooth dough.
- Use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation.
- Let the butter and milk cool just a bit before adding flour to avoid clumps.
- Grease your muffin pan well to ensure easy removal.
- Enjoy them fresh Nun’s Puffs are best the day they’re baked!
FAQ’s
- Why are they called Nun’s Puffs?
The origin is a bit of a mystery, but they’ve been linked to French convent kitchens where nuns made simple, elegant pastries. - Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to a day and reheat gently in the oven. - Do I need a muffin tin?
A muffin tin helps with shape and rise, but you can also try spooning dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Why did my puffs deflate?
Some deflation is normal as they cool. If they collapsed completely, the oven might have been opened too early or the batter undercooked. - Can I freeze them?
Not ideal they lose their texture. Best enjoyed fresh! - Can I make them savory?
Absolutely! Skip the sugar and vanilla, and add cheese, herbs, or spices for a savory version. - Can I use plant-based milk or butter?
Yes, just make sure they’re unsweetened and neutral in flavor. - What’s the texture supposed to be like?
Golden and crisp on the outside, soft and slightly custardy inside. - Do they taste like cream puffs?
Kind of! They’re lighter and more eggy, but definitely have that same airy charm. - Can I add lemon zest or cinnamon?
Definitely. They’re a great canvas for flavor get creative!
Conclusion
Nun’s Puffs are one of those little treasures that feel straight out of a storybook simple, nostalgic, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re baking up a batch for breakfast, a cozy brunch, or just because you feel like treating yourself, these airy puffs are bound to bring joy. One bite and you’ll be hooked on their soft, golden magic. Go ahead whip up a batch and prepare to fall in love with the puff!
Print
Nun’s Puffs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nun’s Puffs are light, airy pastries made with simple ingredients, similar to cream puffs but baked without filling — crisp on the outside and tender inside with a delicate buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a saucepan, melt butter with milk over medium heat. Bring just to a boil.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in flour, sugar, and salt until mixture forms a smooth ball.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
- Spoon batter evenly into prepared muffin cups, filling each about halfway.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until puffs are golden brown and well-risen. Do not open the oven while baking.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- These are best served immediately while warm and puffed.
- Add a touch of vanilla extract for a sweet flavor variation.
- Serve with fruit preserves or whipped cream for an elegant twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: nun’s puffs, choux pastry, easy puff pastry, airy pastry, French dessert