These Fluffy Nun’s Puffs are the kind of pastry that feels like biting into a sweet cloud. With a crisp, golden shell and a soft, airy center, they’re filled with your choice of whipped cream or rich vanilla custard, then dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you’re serving them for tea time, parties, or a sweet ending to dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Fluffy Nun’s Puffs
Nun’s Puffs are made from classic choux pastry dough—the same dough used for cream puffs and éclairs. But what makes them shine is their deceptively simple process and dramatic result. They rise in the oven with no baking soda or yeast, creating a hollow center perfect for filling.
You get that beautiful contrast of textures: light and airy on the inside, crisp and golden on the outside. And with a smooth, creamy filling tucked inside and a dusting of sugar on top, each puff delivers a bite of pure comfort and indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Choux Pastry
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, adds a subtle sweetness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Filling
- 2 cups whipped cream (or vanilla pastry cream/custard)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and even baking.
Make the Choux Pastry Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and optional sugar.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and everything comes to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and immediately add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball.
Return the pan to low heat and stir the dough constantly for 1–2 minutes to dry it out. This step helps the puffs hold their shape during baking.
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes before adding the eggs.
Add the Eggs
Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough might look lumpy at first but will smooth out as you mix. When you’re done, the dough should be glossy and thick but soft enough to pipe.
Pipe the Dough
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
Alternatively, use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
Pipe small mounds (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide) onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion.
Dip your finger in water and gently press down any peaks on the dough to prevent burning.
Bake the Puffs
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
The puffs should be puffed, golden brown, and feel hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Important: Do not open the oven during baking, or the puffs may collapse.
Cool the Puffs
Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Leave the puffs inside for 5 minutes. This step helps dry them out further.
Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
Fill the Puffs
Once the puffs are cool, use a sharp knife to slice them open horizontally or poke a small hole in the bottom.
Fill a piping bag with whipped cream or custard and gently fill each puff until plump.
Dust and Serve
Right before serving, dust the tops with powdered sugar.
Arrange them on a platter, and serve fresh for the ultimate treat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Nun’s Puffs
- Check Egg Consistency: If the dough seems too stiff after adding the eggs, stir in a teaspoon of milk or water to loosen it slightly. The texture should be pipeable but hold its shape.
- Filling Variety: Whipped cream is classic, but you can also try chocolate ganache, lemon curd, pastry cream, or even fruit preserves for different flavors.
- Make Ahead: You can make and bake the puffs a day in advance. Store them unfilled in an airtight container at room temperature, then fill them just before serving for the best texture.
- Crispier Shells: Letting the puffs sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar helps keep the shell crisp and dry inside, preventing sogginess when filled.
- Uniform Size: Pipe the mounds consistently for even baking. You can use a cookie scoop if you’re not using a piping bag.
Serving Suggestions
These puffs are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- At tea parties, alongside a pot of hot Earl Grey or chamomile.
- As a dinner party dessert, paired with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- With fresh fruit, like berries or sliced mango, for a bright contrast to the cream.
- As a make-your-own dessert bar, where guests can choose from different fillings and toppings.
Nutrition Facts (Per Puff, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the filling used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nun’s Puffs made of?
Nun’s Puffs are made from choux pastry dough, which consists of water, butter, flour, and eggs. They’re typically baked until golden and filled with whipped cream or custard.
Are Nun’s Puffs the same as cream puffs?
They’re very similar. Both are made using choux pastry, but Nun’s Puffs are sometimes smaller and can be served with a variety of fillings. The term “Nun’s Puffs” has traditional French and American roots and is sometimes used to refer to fried or baked puff pastries.
Can I make Nun’s Puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the shells a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them just before serving to keep the texture light and crispy.
Can I freeze Nun’s Puffs?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled puffs. Let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, reheat in a 300°F oven until crisp again, then cool before filling.
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
Pastry cream (crème pâtissière), mascarpone cream, lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or sweetened ricotta all work beautifully. You can even fill them with savory mixtures like herbed cream cheese for a twist.
Final Thoughts
Nun’s Puffs may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple once you get the hang of the choux dough. With their crisp outer shell and soft, creamy center, they’re an elegant yet approachable dessert that works for any occasion.
Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a show-stopping treat, these fluffy pastries deliver on both flavor and flair. Try them once, and you’ll want to make them again and again.