Nun’s Puffs are soft, airy pastries that puff up beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, light-as-air treat that’s perfect served warm with a drizzle of honey. Their delightful texture and subtle sweetness make them a comforting favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Simple to prepare with a handful of pantry staples, these puffed pastries are irresistibly good and a joy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nun’s Puffs are a charming cross between cream puffs and popovers. They’re incredibly light, slightly sweet, and have a buttery richness that pairs wonderfully with honey or fruit. With no yeast or rising time required, they come together quickly and bake up into impressive, golden puffs that look as good as they taste. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of fruit preserves, these puffs are sure to win hearts.

Ingredients

1 stick butter (½ cup)
1 cup milk
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
½–1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Sugar for sprinkling
Honey for serving
Whipped cream or fruit (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and bring to a low boil.
Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
If using, stir in the optional sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Divide the dough evenly among the greased muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each portion of dough.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed.
Serve warm with honey, whipped cream, or fruit if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Savory twist: Skip the sugar and sprinkle grated cheese and herbs on top for a savory version.
Cinnamon-sugar coating: Dust the tops with cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar for extra flavor.
Add extracts: Stir in a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a subtle flavor boost.
Fruit-filled: Spoon a bit of fruit preserves into the center before baking for a jammy surprise.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked puffs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make Nun’s Puffs without a muffin tin?

Yes, you can spoon the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet instead, but they may not puff as high.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but butter provides the best flavor and texture for this recipe.

Do I have to let the dough cool before adding eggs?

Yes, cooling the dough slightly prevents the eggs from cooking when added and ensures a smooth mixture.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser and less airy.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work well, though the puff might vary slightly.

How do I know when they’re done?

The puffs should be golden brown and feel light when lifted. Avoid opening the oven early to keep them from collapsing.

Can I fill them with cream or custard?

Yes! Once cooled slightly, slice open and fill with whipped cream or custard for a decadent dessert.

Conclusion

Nun’s Puffs are an elegant yet incredibly easy pastry that will impress everyone with their light, airy texture and warm, buttery flavor. Whether enjoyed with honey, whipped cream, or fruit, they’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Simple to make and beautifully puffed straight from the oven, these little delights are sure to become a family favorite!

Nun’s Puffs

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Print Recipe

Nun’s Puffs are light, airy pastries with a golden crust and buttery interior, made from simple pantry ingredients and no yeast. These delightful popover-style puffs are perfect for brunch, dessert, or tea time—especially when served warm with a drizzle of honey or whipped cream.

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 puffs

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup milk

¾ cup all-purpose flour

4 eggs

½–1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)

Sugar (for sprinkling)

Honey (for serving)

Whipped cream or fruit (optional toppings)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add milk and bring to a low boil.
Stir in flour all at once and mix vigorously until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cool the dough for 5 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
Optional: Stir in ½–1 tablespoon sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Divide dough evenly among the muffin cups (fill about ¾ full). Sprinkle sugar on top.
Bake for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Serve warm with honey, whipped cream, or fruit if desired.

Notes

Do not open the oven while baking or the puffs may collapse.
Use a muffin pan for best rise, but parchment-lined baking sheets also work.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European-American
Diet: Vegetarian