If you’ve never tried this delightful treat before, you’re in for a real comfort food treasure with this Nun’s Puffs Recipe. These golden, airy puffs have the perfect balance of lightness and rich buttery flavor, making them a charming addition to breakfast or a lovely sweet treat any time of day. Easily whipping up with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe transforms humble dollops of dough into fluffy clouds that melt in your mouth. Let me walk you through every cozy detail so you can create these little bites of joy in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients, this recipe proves that incredible flavor and texture don’t require a long list. Each ingredient plays a special role in achieving that perfect puff and golden crust.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick): This adds rich moisture and helps create the tender, flaky texture that defines perfect Nun’s Puffs.
- Milk (1 cup): Provides the necessary liquid and creaminess, making the dough smooth and easy to work with.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): The structure builder, flour binds everything together and helps the puffs hold their shape as they bake.
- Eggs (4): These are key for leavening and contribute to the glossy, airy texture we crave.
- Sugar (½–1 tablespoon, optional): Just a touch to enhance sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavor.
- Sugar for sprinkling: Adds a subtle crunch and a beautiful golden finish as the puffs bake.
- Honey (for serving): Provides a natural sweetness perfect for drizzling on warm puffs.
- Whipped cream or fruit (optional toppings): These elevate your presentation and add extra indulgence.
How to Make Nun’s Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C) and be sure to grease your 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly. This ensures your Nun’s Puffs will pop out cleanly when they’re perfectly puffed and baked.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Heat Milk
In a sturdy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter slowly so it becomes silky and aromatic. Then add the milk and bring the mixture just to a gentle boil — this helps create the ideal warm liquid base for your dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour into the Hot Mixture
Remove the pan from heat and stir in all the flour at once. Vigorous mixing is the secret here, as you’ll want the dough to come together quickly and pull away cleanly from the sides of the pan, forming a smooth ball.
Step 4: Cool the Dough Slightly
Give the dough a few minutes to cool—about 5 minutes is perfect—so that when you add the eggs in the next step, the mixture won’t cook them prematurely and you’ll achieve a silky texture.
Step 5: Beat in the Eggs One at a Time
This step builds rhythm and smoothness. Adding each egg gradually and beating carefully until the mixture is glossy ensures the dough becomes aerated, which is key to the signature puffiness.
Step 6: Sweeten the Dough (Optional)
If you prefer a slightly sweeter puff, gently stir in ½ to 1 tablespoon of sugar now. This is optional but adds a lovely touch that complements honey or fruit toppings beautifully.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups and Sprinkle Sugar
Divide the dough evenly into your prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Then sprinkle a little sugar on top to create a delicate crunchy crust as they bake.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Pop the tray into the oven for about 30 minutes. You will know they are done when the Nun’s Puffs have risen beautifully and turned a mouthwatering golden brown.
Step 9: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings
Fresh from the oven, these puffs are best enjoyed warm. Serve with a drizzle of honey, a dollop of whipped cream, or some fresh fruit for a delicious finish that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Nun’s Puffs Recipe

Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey brings out the sweet buttery richness perfectly. Adding fresh berries or a swirl of whipped cream will instantly elevate your puffs to a special occasion treat.
Side Dishes
Nun’s Puffs pair wonderfully with anything you’d enjoy at breakfast or brunch — think alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal with something for every palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dessert, plate Nun’s Puffs in a neat stack with alternating layers of sliced fruit and whipped cream. Or serve them individually topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a warm berry compote for a heavenly twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They may lose a bit of their puff but will still taste delightful when reheated.
Freezing
Nun’s Puffs freeze well! Place cooled puffs in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. When you want a quick treat, just thaw and warm them gently.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy instead of crisp and airy.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but keep in mind it will add a bit more saltiness to your puffs. You might want to skip adding any extra salt in the recipe if you do this.
Why do Nun’s Puffs need to be baked at a high temperature?
Baking at 375°F allows the puffs to rise quickly, creating that signature airy texture before the crust sets, giving you that perfect light interior and golden surface.
Can I add flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can add lovely warmth and complexity. Just fold it in with the eggs for even flavor distribution.
What makes Nun’s Puffs different from cream puffs?
Nun’s Puffs are simpler and slightly drier, traditionally served as a sweet snack or breakfast treat, while cream puffs are typically filled with cream. Nun’s Puffs rely on their airy texture and sweet accompaniments rather than fillings.
Is it important to beat the eggs one at a time?
Yes, incorporating eggs one at a time ensures the mixture maintains a smooth texture and incorporates enough air to puff beautifully during baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Nun’s Puffs Recipe enough—it’s an easy way to create something truly special with just a few common ingredients. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon treat, these golden, fluffy puffs never fail to bring smiles. So, why not give them a try and share a little sweetness with those you love?
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Nun’s Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nun’s Puffs are light, airy, and sweet baked puffs made from a simple choux-like dough. These delightful treats feature a tender, fluffy interior with a crisp, golden exterior, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Served warm with honey, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, Nun’s Puffs offer an elegant and delicious way to impress guests or enjoy a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
Optional Sweeteners & Toppings
- ½–1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- Honey (for serving)
- Whipped cream or fruit (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter and heat milk: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the milk and bring the mixture to a low boil, ensuring it’s hot enough to cook the flour but not boiling vigorously.
- Add flour and form dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in all the flour at once. Mix vigorously until the dough comes together into a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, indicating it’s ready.
- Cool the dough: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when added and facilitates better mixing.
- Incorporate eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth, glossy, and elastic.
- Add sugar (optional): If desired, stir in ½ to 1 tablespoon of sugar to add sweetness to the batter at this stage.
- Fill muffin cups and top: Divide the batter evenly among the greased muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each for a sweet, crisp crust.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the puffs are risen, golden brown, and puffed up.
- Serve: Serve the Nun’s Puffs warm, drizzled with honey and topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Be sure to grease the muffin tin well to ensure the puffs release easily after baking.
- The sugar sprinkled on top adds a pleasant crunch and sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
- These puffs are best enjoyed the day they’re made as they can lose their crisp texture upon cooling.
- You can customize the toppings with fresh berries, jam, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor.

