Imagine the holiday season, with its sparkling lights and festive cheer, where every gathering not only celebrates the spirit but also tantalizes the taste buds. One delightful treat that fits perfectly into such joyous occasions is Eggnog Cream Puffs. This recipe beautifully combines the rich flavors of eggnog with the delicate texture of choux pastry, creating an irresistible dessert that works for any festive gathering. The smooth, creamy filling beautifully contrasts with the crisp outer layer, delivering an experience that is both heavenly and memorable.
These Eggnog Cream Puffs are not just a feast for the palate but a visual delight, too. The elegant rose shapes are sure to impress your guests, making them a standout at any holiday table. Easy to prepare yet undoubtedly sophisticated, this recipe empowers you to elevate your dessert game without extensive baking skills. Whether you serve them for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee or present them as a dessert after a holiday meal, these puffs bring the holiday spirit to life through flavor and fun.
Moreover, each bite is a reminder of the warmth and comfort of the season. With the cozy essence of eggnog infused into rich whipped cream and enveloped in a light pastry shell, these treats are a must for your holiday baking list. Let’s explore why you’ll love making and indulging in these Eggnog Cream Puffs!
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cream Puff
- Impressive Presentation: The elegant rose shapes not only taste divine, but they’re also visually appealing, making them perfect for festive occasions.
- Delicious Flavor: Infused with eggnog, every cream puff delivers a rich and comforting flavor that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip up these delightful treats with minimal fuss!
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a party snack, making them ideal for any festive gathering.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different flavors or spices to make these cream puffs your own.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delightful world of Eggnog Cream Puffs, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools to ensure a smooth baking process. You’ll need a reliable saucepan, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip for crafting those lovely rosettes of choux pastry. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is also necessary for baking the puffs without sticking.
Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) well ahead of time to facilitate proper baking. The key to perfect cream puffs lies in ensuring that the dough is smooth and properly mixed, so make sure to have a spatula handy for combining ingredients. Once your workspace is set, you’ll be ready to create these show-stopping pastries that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup eggnog
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready for the piped choux pastry. This initial setup is crucial to achieve the perfect puff, as the right temperature ensures optimal rising.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, and salt over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil—watch for that bubbling! Once boiling, quickly add in the all-purpose flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This technique is typical of choux pastry, which needs to be robust yet pliable.
Step 3: Cool and Add Eggs
Allow your dough mixture to cool for about 5 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added. Gradually add the four large eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition until the dough becomes glossy and smooth—this is what makes it pipeable for those beautiful shapes!
Step 4: Pipe the Choux Pastry
Fill your piping bag with the choux pastry dough fitted with a large open star tip. Then, pipe rosette shapes directly onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly to allow room for puffing.
Step 5: Bake the Pastries
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown and have risen beautifully. It’s crucial to resist the urge to open the oven door while they bake, as this can affect their rise!
Step 6: Cool and Prepare the Filling
Once baked, carefully pierce the bottoms of the puffs with a skewer to release steam, and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gradually add in your eggnog, continuing to whip until you reach a stiff peak consistency. If your cream mixture appears too thin, consider adding cornstarch for stability.
Step 7: Fill the Puffs
Once the cream puffs are cool, use a piping bag to carefully fill each puff with the eggnog cream mixture. This filling is the star of the show, giving each bite a creamy, rich decadence that embodies the essence of eggnog.
Step 8: Dust and Serve
Finally, just before serving, dust the tops of the filled puffs with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. This snowy touch adds to the festive presentation and offers a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding a hint of whipped cream cheese for a richer filling.
- Vegetables: For a savory twist, infuse the cream with finely grated lemon or orange zest.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a little nutmeg or cinnamon to the cream filling for that extra kick!
Cooking Notes
- For the best results, let the choux pastry cool slightly before adding eggs. This will prevent any scrambling and ensure a smooth texture.
- If the eggnog cream is too loose, chilling it in the refrigerator can help firm it up, making it easier to pipe into the puffs.
- For optimal texture, fill the cream puffs just before serving to keep them crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Eggnog Cream Puffs with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea to elevate your holiday experience.
- These pastries also shine on dessert platters or as a holiday dessert centerpiece, sure to wow your guests!
Tips
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for seamless incorporation into the dough.
- Experiment with flavored extracts or liqueurs for a unique twist on the traditional eggnog flavor!
- Use a light hand when piping to maintain that airy texture within each puff.
- Consider freezing unfilled choux if you wish to prepare them in advance. Just thaw before filling!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 190 per cream puff
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 60mg
FAQs
Can I make these Eggnog Cream Puffs in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the choux pastry and fill them with cream a few hours before serving. For the best texture, however, fill them just before serving, as this keeps them crisp.
What if my cream is too thin?
If your eggnog cream is too loose, chill it for a bit and then whip again, or add cornstarch to thicken it up.
Can I use store-bought eggnog?
Absolutely! Using store-bought eggnog can save time while still delivering delicious results in this recipe.
Is it necessary to add cornstarch to the cream filling?
Adding cornstarch is optional, but it can help stabilize the whipped cream if it tends to be too soft.
Conclusion
These Eggnog Cream Puffs are more than just a delightful dessert; they’re encapsulated joy on a plate! Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings, these charming pastries are sure to become a family favorite. Their airy choux pastry, combined with rich eggnog cream, brings a taste of nostalgia and celebration to your table. Try this recipe today and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Don’t forget to comment below with your variations or share your photos—we love hearing from you! Happy baking!
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Delicious Eggnog Cream Puffs for the Holidays
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Eggnog Cream Puffs are more than just a delightful dessert; they’re encapsulated joy on a plate!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup eggnog
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, and salt over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, quickly add in the all-purpose flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.
- Allow your dough mixture to cool for about 5 minutes. Gradually add the four large eggs one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition until the dough becomes glossy and smooth.
- Fill your piping bag with the choux pastry dough fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe rosette shapes directly onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
- Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown and have risen beautifully.
- Once baked, carefully pierce the bottoms of the puffs with a skewer to release steam, and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gradually add in your eggnog, continuing to whip until you reach a stiff peak consistency.
- Once the cream puffs are cool, use a piping bag to carefully fill each puff with the eggnog cream mixture. Finally, dust the tops of the filled puffs with powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
For the best results, let the choux pastry cool slightly before adding eggs. If the eggnog cream is too loose, chilling it in the refrigerator can help firm it up.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Protein: 3 g