Here’s a recipe for Perfect Nun’s Puffs — a light, airy, and buttery treat that has been delighting people for centuries. They’re almost like little cream puffs without the filling — crisp on the outside, hollow and tender inside.
Perfect Nun’s Puffs Recipe
Ingredients:
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½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
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1 cup whole milk
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a lightly sweet puff)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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4 large eggs
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 12-cup muffin tin. -
Make the Dough
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In a medium saucepan, combine butter, milk, salt, and sugar.
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Bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 1–2 minutes).
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Add Eggs
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Remove from heat. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until dough is glossy and smooth.
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Fill the Muffin Tin
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Spoon the dough evenly into the muffin cups (they should be about ½ full).
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Don’t worry about smoothing the tops — they’ll puff beautifully in the oven.
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Bake
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Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
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Do not open the oven during baking or they may collapse.
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Serve
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Immediately remove from the pan to a wire rack.
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Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy warm.
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✨ Tips for Perfect Puffs:
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Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and give better rise.
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Resist the temptation to peek in the oven.
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These are best eaten fresh from the oven — crisp and hollow inside.