Easy Nun's Puffs

Heavenly Nun's Puffs, a delightful pastry that has enchanted taste buds for centuries, are a perfect blend of airy texture and rich flavors. These light and fluffy treats have roots that trace back to French culinary traditions, making them a beloved pastry in many cultures. Often referred to as "choux pastry" or "pâte à choux," Nun's Puffs are versatile enough to be enjoyed in various forms, whether filled with cream, drizzled with chocolate, or served plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Discover the joy of baking with this Heavenly Nun's Puffs recipe, a classic pastry that combines light, airy textures with rich flavors. Rooted in French tradition, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create the perfect choux pastry, achieve that signature puffiness, and explore various serving options, from whipped cream to chocolate. Elevate your dessert game and impress your friends with these heavenly bites!

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Ingredients

1 cup water

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional: chocolate sauce or fruit preserves (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the batter: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water and butter. Heat over medium flame until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and the butter has completely melted, stirring occasionally to help it along.

Add the flour: Once you see bubbles forming and the butter is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly add the flour and salt all at once. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, stir vigorously until the dough comes together, forms a cohesive ball, and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan.

Cool the mixture: Let the dough sit at room temperature for approximately 5 minutes. It should still be warm to the touch, but not hot, which will help when incorporating the eggs.

Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs into the cooled dough one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Keep stirring until the dough is smooth and glossy. Once the eggs are fully integrated, stir in the vanilla extract and baking powder until everything is well combined.

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.

Pipe the puffs: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (if you don't have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag and simply cut off one corner). Carefully pipe mounds of dough about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the nun's puffs to achieve a beautiful golden brown exterior and rise significantly, creating that delightful airy texture.

Cool and dust: Once baked to perfection, remove the nun's puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Before serving, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Serve: These heavenly puffs can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent experience, consider filling them with whipped cream, drizzling them with chocolate sauce, or serving alongside fruit preserves.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 puffs