As the holidays approach, the air fills with nostalgia and the scent of warm spices. Bringing together family and friends often means indulging in delightful treats, and that’s where these Eggnog Cream Puffs come in. This festive holiday dessert is not only easy to whip up but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine light and airy choux pastry giving way to a rich eggnog whipped cream filling that dances on your palate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, these little puffs are sure to become the star of your dessert table. Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Let’s get baking!
Why are Eggnog Cream Puffs unforgettable?
Light and Airy: The choux pastry is effortlessly light, creating a delicate shell that melts in your mouth.
Rich Filling: A luscious eggnog whipped cream filling offers a festive burst of flavor with every bite.
Simplicity Meets Elegance: This recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow guests at any holiday gathering.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for Christmas parties or cozy family dinners, these puffs will disappear fast!
Creative Variations: Feel free to experiment with extracts like almond or maple for a personal touch, or create bite-sized puffs for a fun twist.
So, if you’ve enjoyed making dishes like Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice or are looking for a sweet complement to savory meals like Beef Pasta Savor, these Eggnog Cream Puffs are a must-try for your holiday baking!
Eggnog Cream Puff Ingredients
For the Pastry
- Water – Essential for steam and puffing the pastry; use the right amount for lightness.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor, ensuring a tender pastry; choose high-quality for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; measure accurately to avoid denser puffs.
- Large Eggs (4) – Binds the ingredients and helps with rise; make sure they are at room temperature.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Ground Nutmeg (3/4 teaspoon) – Adds warm, aromatic notes that echo the eggnog flavor, with an extra pinch for the filling.
For the Filling
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 1/2 cups) – The base for the filling; higher fat content yields better stability; keep it cold for best results.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (1 1/2 cups) – Sweetens the filling; adjust based on the sweetness of the eggnog used.
- Eggnog (1/4 cup) – The star ingredient of these Eggnog Cream Puffs, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Complements the spices in eggnog for added flavor depth.
- Rum Extract (Optional) – For a delightful holiday flavor kick; add it sparingly.
For Serving
- Powdered Sugar – For dusting before serving, adding a beautiful finish to your festive dessert.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog Cream Puffs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, prepare your baking sheets by greasing them lightly or lining them with parchment paper. This ensures that your Eggnog Cream Puffs will release easily after baking, resulting in a perfect shape and texture.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, and 1/8 teaspoon salt over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a full boil, watching for the butter to melt completely. This process is crucial as it creates steam, which will help the pastry rise as it bakes, leading to light and airy Eggnog Cream Puffs.
Step 3: Add Flour and Nutmeg
Once your mixture is boiling, add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 3/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg all at once. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the pan. This step is vital to develop the dough and ensure the puffs achieve a wonderful rise during baking.
Step 4: Rest the Dough
Remove your saucepan from heat and let the dough rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to escape, helping the dough cool slightly before you add the eggs. It’s essential for maintaining the right texture in your creamy pastry.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs
After resting, add the 4 large eggs to the dough, one at a time. Use a mixer or wooden spoon to beat the dough after each addition until it’s glossy and smooth. This should create a thick but elastic dough that will hold its shape as you prepare it for baking.
Step 6: Pipe the Dough
Transfer your choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important as the Eggnog Cream Puffs will expand during baking, allowing them to maintain their beautiful, rounded shape.
Step 7: Bake the Pastry
Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The puffs should turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can lead to deflated puffs. You’ll know they’re done when they are beautifully risen and crisp.
Step 8: Cool the Cream Puffs
Once they are perfectly baked, remove the Eggnog Cream Puffs from the oven. Use a skewer or knife to pierce the side of each puff to release steam, ensuring they cool evenly. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which is essential for maintaining their light texture.
Step 9: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gradually fold in 1 1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of eggnog, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and an extra pinch of nutmeg. The filling should be rich and creamy, perfect for filling your puffs.
Step 10: Fill the Cream Puffs
Once the cream puffs have cooled completely, gently cut the tops off each one. Use a piping bag or spoon to fill them generously with the prepared eggnog cream mixture. This ensures that each bite of your Eggnog Cream Puffs is filled with delightful holiday flavor.
Step 11: Dust and Serve
Finally, dust your filled Eggnog Cream Puffs with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a beautiful touch and enhances their festive appearance. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cream puffs are sure to impress everyone at your table!
Make Ahead Options
These Eggnog Cream Puffs are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive flavor with less hassle on the day of your gathering! You can prepare the choux pastry shells up to 2 days in advance; simply store the unfilled shells in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the shells for up to 2 months. The eggnog whipped cream filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Just be sure to whip the cream until soft peaks form for the best texture. When ready to serve, fill the puffs with the cream, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy your delightful holiday treat!
Eggnog Cream Puffs: Creative Variations
Feel free to make these delightful treats even more unique with some simple twists and swaps!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free eggnog for a lactose-free version. The coconut adds a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
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Flavored Extracts: Experiment with almond or maple extracts for a fun flavor twist in the filling. A splash of maple can make your eggnog puffs taste even more cozy and seasonal!
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Mini Puffs: Create bite-sized variants by piping smaller rounds of pastry for perfect little treats that are easy to grab and pop in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings where you want to offer an assortment of desserts.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of ground cinnamon or even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising element of warmth. It’s a delightful way to keep your guests guessing!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Top your filled puffs with melted chocolate for an indulgent addition. Simply drizzle over the puffs before dusting with powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.
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Pumpkin Spice: Switch out the eggnog for pumpkin spice latte mix for a seasonal change. Incorporate some pumpkin puree into the cream for a rich and comforting filling that screams fall.
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Nut Topping: Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or pecans on top before serving for an added crunch and nutty flavor that beautifully balances the creaminess of the filling.
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Savory Twist: Create a savory version by swapping eggnog with herbed cream cheese. Perfect for those who might prefer a non-sweet option at their holiday gathering!
These variations offer a chance to tailor your Eggnog Cream Puffs to your personal taste while impressing your family and friends. Enjoy exploring new combinations, and if you love creating delicious dishes, be sure to check out our recipes for Cream Cheese Chicken and Winter Vegetable Casserole that are also crowd favorites!
How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Cream Puffs
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Room Temperature: Unfilled choux pastry shells can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, maintaining their delightful texture.
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Fridge: Filled Eggnog Cream Puffs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 1 day for the best freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: You can freeze unfilled puffs for up to 2 months in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before filling.
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Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat frozen unfilled shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Fill with cream when ready to serve.
What to Serve with Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs
Elevate your holiday spread with delightful pairings that beautifully complement these festive treats.
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Warm Spiced Cider: A cozy beverage that enhances the warm flavors of nutmeg and eggnog, perfect for sipping alongside your cream puffs.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the filling, balancing flavors and adding a vibrant pop of color on your dessert table.
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Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station for guests to dip their cream puffs. The contrast of smooth chocolate with airy cream puff is simply indulgent!
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Mini Vanilla Bean Scones: These buttery delights offer a contrasting texture while echoing the warm vanilla flavors found in eggnog.
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Pecan Pie Bites: Their rich, sweet flavors play well with the creamy filling of the puffs while introducing a delightful crunch to the table.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: This festive drink makes for a sweet and spirited pairing, combining minty freshness and chocolate richness to complement the eggnog flavors.
Adding these pairs to your spread will make your holiday gathering unforgettable, ensuring your Eggnog Cream Puffs are the star of the show!
Expert Tips for Eggnog Cream Puffs
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Temperature Matters: Always use room temperature eggs for the pastry; this helps achieve a better rise in your Eggnog Cream Puffs.
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Avoid Mishaps: Do not open the oven door while baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse before they finish cooking.
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Cool Completely: Allow the pastry shells to cool fully before filling; otherwise, the filling may melt, ruining the perfect texture.
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Storage Ideas: If you have unfilled shells left over, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
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Whip Smart: When preparing the filling, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and chill it briefly before piping to maintain its structure and stability.
Eggnog Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs
What type of eggs should I use?
It’s best to use large eggs at room temperature for this recipe. Room temperature eggs help create a better rise in the choux pastry, leading to those delightful airy puffs.
How should I store Eggnog Cream Puffs?
Filled Eggnog Cream Puffs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 1 day for the best freshness and flavor. Unfilled shells can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze the Eggnog Cream Puffs?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfilled choux pastry shells for up to 2 months. To freeze, place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator and fill with your delicious eggnog cream filling. For best texture, reheat the shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes after thawing.
What should I do if my cream puffs collapse?
If your cream puffs collapse, it may be due to opening the oven door too soon while baking or undercooking them. To ensure perfect puffs, avoid peeking in the oven until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. If this happens, don’t worry! Check the baking time and temperature next time, and make sure to pierce them to release steam as soon as they come out of the oven.
Can I make these for someone with dietary restrictions?
This recipe contains dairy and gluten, so it might not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten allergies. For a dairy-free option, you can try replacing heavy cream with coconut cream and using gluten-free flour in the pastry. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Can I add more flavor to the filling?
Very! You can experiment with flavored extracts like almond or maple to give your eggnog cream filling a unique twist. Just add these extracts sparingly to avoid overpowering the eggnog flavor. For a fun touch, try adding a splash of rum extract for an extra festive spirit!
Delightful Eggnog Cream Puffs for a Festive Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your baking sheets by greasing them or lining with parchment.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt over medium heat and bring to a boil.
- Add in flour and nutmeg all at once and stir until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let the dough rest for about 5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating until glossy and smooth.
- Transfer the pastry into a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Pierce the side of each puff to release steam and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold in sugar, eggnog, vanilla, and nutmeg.
- Cut the tops off each puff and fill them with the eggnog cream mixture.
- Dust filled puffs with powdered sugar before serving.
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