Eggnog Cream Puffs: A Cozy Holiday Treat
As the air turns crisp and the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg fills our kitchens, holiday baking brings a world of warmth into our homes. There’s something magical about preparing sweet treats that brings back fond memories of gathering together with loved ones. One of my favorite seasonal delights to whip up is Eggnog Cream Puffs. With their wonderfully flaky pastry and rich, creamy filling, these golden puffs are the epitome of comfort during the Holidays. Trust me—this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy yet Impressive: These eggnog cream puffs are surprisingly simple to make, yet they look absolutely stunning, making them the perfect treat for gatherings.
- Creamy Holiday Flavor: Filled with a luscious eggnog cream, each bite is a rich, festive flavor explosion that’s sure to delight.
- Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Whether you’re hosting a party or need a sweet centerpiece for your holiday meals, these puffs are guaranteed to impress family and friends.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Besides being a delightful holiday treat, they’re ideal for any cozy gathering or cozy movie night—just add a warm drink!
- Customizable Fun: Get creative and customize the filling or toppings based on your taste, adding a personal touch to these delicious puffs.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Eggnog Cream Puffs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Eggnog Cream Puffs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and gently bubbling.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the flour, mixing until a smooth ball of dough forms.
- Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for a few minutes—patience here will pay off!
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. This is where the magic begins!
- Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating lovely rose shapes—let your artistic side shine!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffy. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whip together the heavy cream, eggnog, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form, dreaming of creamy dreams.
- Once the puffs are cool, carefully cut them in half and fill them with the rich eggnog cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that extra festive touch!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Eggnog Filling: For a richer twist, add cocoa powder to your eggnog cream for a chocolatey delight.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate some zesty orange or lemon in the cream; it will brighten the flavors and give a refreshing touch.
- Nuts & Spices: Add finely chopped nuts or a sprinkle of nutmeg into your cream for a delightful "crunch" and warmth.
- Drunken Puffs: Drizzle with a warm rum sauce (non-alcoholic substitute) for an indulgent finish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Strategy: The pastry can be made a day in advance, and the eggnog cream can also be prepped and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to fill the puffs.
- Freezing for Later: Not serving them immediately? You can freeze the baked puffs for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before filling.
- Cutting with Ease: For clean cuts, use a serrated knife when halving the puffs—this helps to maintain their beautiful shape.
- Storage: Store any filled puffs in the refrigerator, but be mindful that the pastry may lose its crispness over time.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 24g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 90mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the pastry and the filling in advance; just fill the puffs shortly before serving to ensure freshness.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! You can substitute eggnog with a dairy-free alternative or use flavored whipped cream instead.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep any filled puffs covered in the refrigerator for a day or two. Best when fresh!
- How long does it last? Filled cream puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for 1-2 days in the fridge.
A Cozy Closing Note
Eggnog Cream Puffs are more than just a recipe; they’re a symbol of warmth, love, and treasured moments spent with those we hold dear. Each bite melding festive flavors evokes memories of laughter-filled gatherings and cozy nights in. So, do yourself a favor—save this Eggnog Cream Puffs recipe to your Holiday Desserts board so it’s ready when you’re yearning for a cozy treat. Happy baking, dear friend!
Eggnog Cream Puffs
These delightful eggnog cream puffs combine flaky pastry with a rich eggnog filling, making them a perfect holiday treat for gatherings and cozy nights.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
Eggnog Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and gently bubbling.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the flour, mixing until a smooth ball of dough forms.
- Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for a few minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating lovely rose shapes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffy.
Filling
- In a separate bowl, whip together the heavy cream, eggnog, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Once the puffs are cool, carefully cut them in half and fill them with the rich eggnog cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Make the pastry a day in advance and store the cream in the fridge until ready to fill. Baked puffs can be frozen for up to a month.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSodium: 90mgSugar: 10g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
