Eggnog Cream Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Eggnog Cream Puffs combine the light, airy texture of classic cream puffs with the festive, spiced flavor of eggnog. This delightful dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a special treat with a seasonal twist.

The image shows a white plate with a gold rim holding seven small, round pastries, each with about three layers of golden-brown, flaky dough. On top of each pastry is a swirl of creamy white frosting, which looks smooth and soft, with a slight toasted color on some edges. The pastries are lightly sprinkled with white powdered sugar, adding a delicate dust on the frosting and plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and around it are a few blurred-out golden Christmas ornaments and a small pine cone dusted with powdered sugar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup eggnog
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Additional confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, bring the water, cubed butter, and salt to a rolling boil over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Add the flour all at once, then sprinkle in 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the puffs are firm, deeply golden, and fully set.
  8. Step 8: Immediately after baking, pierce each puff with a knife tip to release steam. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Step 9: To prepare the filling, beat the heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
  10. Step 10: Cut the top third off each cream puff. Spoon or pipe the eggnog whipped cream filling into each puff, then replace the tops.
  11. Step 11: Dust the cream puffs with additional confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

  • For a stronger eggnog flavor, gently fold a tablespoon of eggnog flavor extract into the whipped cream filling.
  • You can substitute ground cinnamon or allspice for the nutmeg for a different warm spice note.
  • Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to achieve the right dough consistency and puff rise.
  • Use a piping bag for a neater filling presentation.

Storage

Store filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to fill the puffs just before serving. Unfilled puffs can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated lightly in a warm oven to refresh before filling.

How to Serve

A group of seven cream puffs arranged on a clear glass cake stand with a gold decorative edge, each cream puff has two layers: the bottom layer is a light golden-brown choux pastry with a slightly rough and airy texture, and the top layer is a matching pastry lid dusted with powdered sugar, sitting over a thick middle layer of smooth, white whipped cream that is visibly soft and slightly overflowing. The cake stand rests on a white marbled surface and in the background a red cloth can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cream puffs in advance?

You can bake the cream puffs a day ahead and store them unfilled in an airtight container. Fill them with the eggnog cream just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

What can I use if I don’t have eggnog?

If you don’t have eggnog, you can substitute with sweetened milk mixed with a pinch of ground nutmeg and a splash of vanilla extract to mimic the flavor.

Print

Eggnog Cream Puffs Recipe

Delight in these festive Eggnog Cream Puffs, a perfect holiday treat featuring light, airy choux pastry filled with a rich, spiced eggnog whipped cream. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, these cream puffs combine classic French pastry technique with seasonal flavors for an irresistible dessert.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 cream puffs 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Choux Pastry

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

Eggnog Whipped Cream Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup eggnog
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Garnish

  • Additional confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare baking sheets by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Boil Base Ingredients: In a large saucepan, bring the water, cubed butter, and salt to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add Flour and Nutmeg: Quickly add all the flour and the ground nutmeg at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a cohesive ball.
  4. Cool Dough: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly, which helps with egg incorporation.
  5. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for creating the right texture for the puffs.
  6. Shape Puffs: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow room for expansion.
  7. Bake Puff Shells: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the puffs are firm, deeply golden, and fully set. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to ensure proper rise.
  8. Release Steam and Cool: Immediately upon removal, pierce each puff with a knife tip to release steam, preventing sogginess, then cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to thicken. Add confectioners’ sugar, eggnog, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
  10. Fill Cream Puffs: Cut the top third off each puff. Spoon or pipe the eggnog whipped cream into the hollowed centers and replace the tops.
  11. Serve: Dust the filled cream puffs generously with extra confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation and better dough texture.
  • Be careful not to open the oven while baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
  • For an adult version, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the whipped cream filling.
  • These cream puffs are best served the same day to maintain their crispness and creaminess.
  • Eggnog flavor can be intensified by adjusting the amount of nutmeg and vanilla according to taste.

Keywords: Eggnog cream puffs, holiday dessert, choux pastry, whipped cream filling, festive desserts, nutmeg cream puffs

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