Eggnog Cream Puffs

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season, you’ve landed in the right place! These Eggnog Cream Puffs are not just any dessert; they are bite-sized clouds filled with a luscious whipped eggnog pastry cream that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whenever I serve these at gatherings, they disappear faster than I can count!

This recipe is perfect for those busy holiday weeks when you want to impress your family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether it’s a festive celebration or simply a cozy night in, these cream puffs bring warmth and cheer to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This recipe may look fancy, but it’s straightforward enough for beginner bakers. You’ll feel like a pro!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cream puffs! They’re fun, delicious, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the cream puffs ahead of time and fill them just before serving. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
• Deliciously festive flavor: The rich eggnog filling combined with hints of nutmeg creates an irresistible holiday flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Eggnog Cream Puffs use simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Cream Puff Shells

• 1 cup water
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 5.75 oz all-purpose flour (about 1 ⅓ cups)

For the Eggnog Pastry Cream

• 1 cup eggs (approx. 4 large eggs + 1 egg white = 8 ounces)
• ¾ cup full fat eggnog
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 ½ Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp salt

For the Whipped Cream

• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste or occasion!

• Add a twist of flavor: Consider adding a splash of almond extract or lemon zest to the pastry cream for a unique flavor profile.
• Try different fillings: Swap out the eggnog filling for flavors like chocolate mousse or coffee cream for a different take on these puffs.
• Top with festive toppings: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for added indulgence.
• Make mini versions: Pipe smaller cream puffs if you want bite-sized treats that are even cuter and easier to pop in your mouth!

How to Make Eggnog Cream Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 425℉ and line two sheet trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step is essential because it prevents the cream puffs from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.

Step 2: Make the Pâte à Choux (Cream Puff Shells)

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt over medium heat until it reaches a rolling boil. This combination creates steam when baking, which is vital for puffing up those delightful shells! Once boiling, add flour and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix Until Smooth

Return the saucepan to heat and stir continuously until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This technique helps develop structure in your pastry.

Step 4: Cool Down and Add Eggs

Transfer this mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until slightly cooled—this prevents cooking your eggs when added next! Then add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding another. This step is crucial as it affects the texture of your cream puffs.

Step 5: Pipe Your Cream Puffs

Place the choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a round tip (I used Wilton 2A). Pipe approximately 1.5-inch rounds onto your prepared baking sheets—remember not to swirl like frosting but rather squeeze and lift straight up! Dipping your finger in water helps smooth any peaks.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes until puffed up nicely. Then lower your oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for another 18-20 minutes until golden brown. It’s important not to open the oven door during this time; trust me, you’ll want those fluffy shells!

Step 7: Prepare the Eggnog Pastry Cream

While cooling down those delicious shells, make your filling! In another saucepan over medium-low heat, combine eggnog and milk just until boiling. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and cornstarch before adding beaten eggs—this process is called tempering and prevents scrambling.

Step 8: Thicken Your Pastry Cream

Pour the hot egg mixture back into the saucepan while stirring constantly until it thickens up beautifully. Remove from heat once thickened, then add butter, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt—this will give it that lovely holiday flavor!

Step 9: Chill Out!

Transfer your pastry cream into a shallow dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed against its surface (to prevent skin), then chill quickly by refrigerating or setting in an ice bath until completely cool.

Step 10: Whip Up Some Whipped Cream

Using a stand mixer with whisk attachment, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into your chilled eggnog pastry cream until well combined—this creates an airy texture that balances perfectly with those crisp shells!

Step 11: Assemble Your Treats

Fit another piping bag with a small star tip (I used Wilton 18) filled with your creamy filling. Poke holes into each cooled cream puff’s side as you squeeze gently until they feel light yet full—a sure sign they’re ready!

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Dust these gorgeous creations with powdered sugar before serving them fresh out of their sweet hiding spots. Watching everyone enjoy these Eggnog Cream Puffs will surely warm your heart during this special season!

Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Cream Puffs

Creating these delightful eggnog cream puffs can be a breeze with just a few handy tips!

• Measure ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking, especially for the choux pastry. Use a kitchen scale for the flour and eggs to ensure perfect texture.
• Cool the dough properly: Allowing the dough to cool before adding eggs prevents the mixture from cooking the eggs too quickly, ensuring a smooth, cohesive batter.
• Don’t rush the baking: Make sure to follow the temperature adjustments closely. This helps achieve that perfect puff with a light, airy interior that holds its shape beautifully.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality eggnog make a noticeable difference in flavor. The richness of fresh ingredients enhances your cream puffs’ overall taste.
• Practice patience while piping: Take your time when piping the choux pastry to ensure uniformity in size. Consistent sizes help them bake evenly.

How to Serve Eggnog Cream Puffs

These eggnog cream puffs are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for festive gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds elegance and enhances the dessert’s sweetness without overwhelming it.
• Grated nutmeg: A touch of freshly grated nutmeg on top brings out the holiday flavors and adds a beautiful rustic element.

Side Dishes

• Spiced hot chocolate: A warm cup of spiced hot chocolate complements the creamy filling and provides an indulgent pairing for a cozy winter evening.
• Cinnamon apple slices: These sweet and tart slices offer a refreshing contrast to the rich cream puffs, balancing flavors beautifully while maintaining that festive spirit.
• Gingerbread cookies: Classic gingerbread cookies add a crunchy texture and aromatic spices that harmonize well with eggnog flavors, making for a delightful combination on any dessert table.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to create unforgettable moments with your homemade eggnog cream puffs! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends during the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Eggnog Cream Puffs make for a delightful holiday treat that can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without stress. Storing them properly ensures they maintain their scrumptious flavor and texture.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If filled with cream, it’s best to refrigerate them for up to 3 days to keep the filling fresh.
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Freezing

• Freeze unfilled cream puffs by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature and fill with eggnog pastry cream.
• Avoid freezing filled cream puffs, as the pastry may become soggy.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cream puffs, reheat unfilled ones in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pastry chewy rather than light and airy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Eggnog Cream Puffs.

Can I use different flavors of eggnog for Eggnog Cream Puffs?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavored eggnogs like vanilla or nutmeg to customize your cream puffs. Just ensure they are non-alcoholic.

How do I prevent my Eggnog Cream Puffs from deflating?

To avoid deflation, ensure your cream puffs are fully baked before removing them from the oven. A good test is picking one up; it should feel light and airy if it’s done.

Can I make Eggnog Cream Puffs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the choux pastry and freeze them unfilled, or store filled ones in the fridge for a few days. Just add powdered sugar before serving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Eggnog Cream Puffs! They’re a perfect way to bring festive cheer to your dessert table, offering a unique twist on classic holiday flavors. Whether for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these treats are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!