Nun’s Puffs, known in French as “pets de nonne,” are delightful, light, and airy pastries with a rich history dating back to medieval times. These treats are made from a simple pâte à choux dough, similar to that used for cream puffs and éclairs. Baked in a muffin tin, they puff up beautifully, forming a crispy exterior and a soft, hollow interior. Traditionally, they’re served warm, sprinkled with sugar, and sometimes drizzled with honey.
🍯 Nun’s Puffs Recipe
🧂 Ingredients
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ½ to 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• Additional sugar for sprinkling on top
• Honey for drizzling (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Muffin Tin:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring to coat the bottoms, sides, and rims to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Add the milk to the melted butter and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Once boiling, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a cohesive ball that doesn’t separate.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate the Eggs:
• After cooling, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• At first, the dough may appear separated, but continue mixing until it becomes smooth and thick, resembling a stiff muffin batter.
4. Assemble the Puffs:
• Divide the dough evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sugar on top of each puff to enhance sweetness and promote a golden-brown finish.
5. Bake:
• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the puffs are tall, golden brown, and have a craggy top.
6. Serve:
• Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and immediately transfer them from the tin to a wire rack to cool slightly.
• Serve warm, drizzled with honey if desired.
Tips:
• Sweetness Adjustment: The original recipe doesn’t include sugar in the dough, relying on toppings for sweetness. Adjust the sugar to your preference, keeping in mind that toppings like honey or whipped cream will add sweetness as well.
• Serving Suggestions: These puffs are delightful on their own or can be filled with whipped cream, fresh berries, or your favorite jam for an extra treat.
• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful Nun’s Puffs—a treat that’s both rich in history and flavor!