We love the magical lift and delicate texture of Nun’s Puffs. These delightful pastries have a storied past rooted in old convent kitchens. Crisp on the outside and airy inside they’re simply irresistible.
We make them with a simple mixture of butter flour eggs and milk that puffs up dramatically in the oven. They’re perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack with their light golden crust and soft melt-in-your-mouth center.
We top them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Their name may spark curiosity but each bite speaks for itself with irresistible flavor and comforting simplicity.
Ingredients
We rely on a few simple items to create the airy center and crisp exterior of our Nun’s Puffs. We gather the following in precise amounts:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 4 |
We often garnish our pastries with powdered sugar or honey.
Tools And Equipment
We gather a few essential items to ensure our Nun’s Puffs turn out light and airy:
- Medium saucepan for combining butter and milk on the stovetop
- Sturdy wooden spoon for vigorous stirring of the dough
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise portions of flour and sugar
- Whisk for blending eggs into the mixture
- Standard muffin tin to shape and bake our pastry puffs
- Wire rack to cool the finished pastries and maintain their crisp texture
We prefer to keep a heatproof spatula ready for scraping the dough cleanly from the saucepan. We also like to use a pastry brush for lightly greasing the muffin tin if needed. These tools help us manage the dough quickly and maintain a neat workspace.
Prep
We focus on precise measurements and methodical steps to ensure our Nun’s Puffs turn out light and airy. We rely on careful preparation before heating any ingredients.
Gather And Measure Ingredients
We arrange all items where we can access them easily. We measure our ingredients with accuracy to guarantee consistent results. Below is a quick reference table:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Eggs (large) | 4 |
We set these measured ingredients aside in separate bowls. We keep our mixing tools on hand to streamline our workflow.
Warm Milk And Melt Butter
We place a medium saucepan on medium heat. We pour the milk into the pan then add the butter. We stir occasionally to help the butter melt smoothly. We avoid boiling the milk. We look for small bubbles to form at the edges. This gentle heat readies the base for the dough.
Directions
Here is how we transform our warm mixture of milk and butter into airy Nun’s Puffs. We follow each step methodically for consistent results.
Create The Dough
- We place the saucepan with warm milk and butter back on medium heat
- We add granulated sugar and salt
- We stir until dissolved
- We pour in the all-purpose flour all at once
- We stir briskly with a sturdy wooden spoon
- We move the saucepan off the heat when the dough forms a smooth ball
Incorporate Eggs
- We let the dough cool slightly
- We crack one egg into the dough
- We beat vigorously until fully absorbed
- We repeat with each egg for a total of four
- We continue stirring until the final mixture is glossy and thick
- We fill our greased muffin tin with equal portions of batter
- We place the filled tin in the oven and bake until golden
| Oven Temperature | Bake Time |
|---|---|
| 375°F (190°C) | 20 to 25 minutes |
Baking
We are now ready to bake our Nun’s Puffs. We rely on steady heat to achieve the crisp edges and airy centers.
Fill Muffin Cups
Scoop the thick dough into each greased muffin cup. Fill the cups about three quarters full so the batter has room to puff. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top of each portion with melted butter for extra color and flavor. Ensure the batter is distributed evenly.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 375°F (190°C) | 20 to 25 minutes |
Check For Doneness
Observe the puffs closely after 20 minutes. Look for a rich golden hue on top and a lightly crisp exterior. Gently tap the pastry to confirm it feels springy and firm. Remove the muffin tin once they set, then transfer the pastries to a wire rack to prevent moisture buildup on the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
We savor these Nun’s Puffs when they are still warm from the oven. We sometimes split them open and add a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch. We also enjoy them with soft butter or a slather of jam for extra flavor. They pair well with hot coffee or tea in the morning and make a wonderful snack throughout the day.
Here is a quick reference for topping ideas:
| Topping | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | Light sweet accent |
| Honey or jam | Fruity sweetness |
| Soft butter | Subtle richness |
| Whipped cream | Creamy texture with sweetness |
We like to arrange the puffs on a serving platter and let guests choose their favorite topping. This creates an interactive experience and showcases the delicate texture of these pastries. We also find that a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds extra crunch and aroma.
Conclusion
We love how these treats can turn any gathering into a warm celebration
They remind us that simple ingredients yield truly special results
We invite you to embrace your creativity by experimenting with toppings and enjoying them on a relaxing morning
Let their comforting aroma inspire you to explore more of our cherished baking traditions
We can’t wait to see how you’ll make Nun’s Puffs your own