Eggnog Cream Puffs

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to bring some holiday cheer to your dessert table, you’ve found it! These Eggnog Cream Puffs are not just any dessert; they’re little bites of joy filled with a creamy eggnog filling that brings back warm memories of festive gatherings. Imagine fluffy choux pastry enveloping a luscious cream that tastes like the essence of the season—vanilla and nutmeg dancing together in perfect harmony.

This recipe is a beloved favorite for many reasons. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family celebrations. You can even make them ahead of time and fill them just before serving, ensuring they stay fresh and irresistible. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create these impressive treats without a fuss.
• Perfect for gatherings: These cream puffs are sure to wow your guests at any holiday party or family gathering.
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with flavors in the filling to make it your own!
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the shells in advance and fill them right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Kid-friendly fun: Baking these together can be a wonderful activity for the whole family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Eggnog Cream Puffs use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s check them out!

For the Choux Pastry

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Eggnog Filling

• 1 1/2 cups eggnog
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• (Optional) 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped (for extra fluffiness)

For Serving

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Change the flavor: Swap out traditional eggnog for flavored eggnog varieties like pumpkin spice or chocolate.
• Add some zest: Incorporate citrus zest (like orange or lemon) into the filling for a bright twist.
• Try different toppings: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate ganache or caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
• Mini versions: Make bite-sized mini cream puffs by piping smaller swirls of dough!

How to Make Eggnog Cream Puffs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat until it comes to a boil. This step is crucial because it helps create the steam needed for those beautifully puffed pastries.

Step 2: Create the Dough

Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour until a dough forms. This is where the magic happens! Let it cool for about 5 minutes so that it’s easier to mix in the eggs without cooking them.

Step 3: Add Your Eggs

Beat in each egg one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will give you that perfect choux pastry texture—light and airy!

Step 4: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe rose-shaped swirls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This shape not only looks pretty but also helps hold more delicious filling later!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cream puffs for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown. It’s tempting to peek, but keep that oven door closed so they rise perfectly! Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Filling

In another saucepan over medium heat, whisk together eggnog, sugar, cornstarch, and nutmeg until thickened. This creates that rich filling we all love! Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla before allowing it to cool.

Step 7: Optional Fluffiness Boost

If you want an extra light filling, fold in whipped cream once it’s cooled down. This gives your Eggnog Cream Puffs an irresistible fluffiness that everyone will rave about.

Step 8: Fill Your Puffs

Slice open each cream puff or poke a hole in their base. Pipe in that delightful chilled filling—don’t skimp; we want every bite to be full of flavor!

Step 9: Serve with Joy!

Just before serving, dust those beautiful cream puffs with powdered sugar. They will look stunning on your dessert table and taste even better! Enjoy sharing these sweet treats with loved ones as you celebrate this wonderful season together.

Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Cream Puffs

Making perfect Eggnog Cream Puffs is all about attention to detail and a little bit of practice. Here are some handy tips to help you create these delightful treats with ease!

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold water and butter ensures your choux pastry puffs up beautifully in the oven. Warm ingredients can lead to a dense texture instead of light and airy cream puffs.

• Don’t open the oven door: It can be tempting to peek, but resist! Opening the oven door while baking can cause the temperature to drop, resulting in flat puffs. Wait until they’re golden brown before checking on them.

• Let the filling cool completely: Before piping in your eggnog cream, make sure it’s fully cooled. If it’s warm, it could melt the pastry or cause it to become soggy.

• Experiment with piping shapes: While rose-shaped swirls are lovely, don’t be afraid to try different shapes! You can pipe them into small rounds or even miniature puff shapes for a fun twist.

• Add flavor variations: Feel free to customize your filling by adding spices like cinnamon or ginger for unique flavor profiles that complement the eggnog, making each batch special.

How to Serve Eggnog Cream Puffs

Serving your Eggnog Cream Puffs in an appealing way can enhance their festive charm and delight your guests. Here are some suggestions on how to present these tasty treats!

Garnishes

• Nutmeg dusting: A light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg adds a beautiful finish and enhances the eggnog flavor.
• Cinnamon sticks: Placing a small cinnamon stick next to each cream puff adds a rustic touch and a hint of spice aroma.
• Candied cranberries: These vibrant red garnishes not only look stunning but also provide a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the cream puffs.

Side Dishes

• Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate is a perfect pairing with these sweet cream puffs, creating a cozy dessert experience.

• Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea complements the flavors of eggnog beautifully while providing a refreshing contrast.

• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries offers a refreshing counterpart to the rich cream puffs.

• Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone alongside nuts and dried fruits creates an elegant spread that balances sweetness with savory notes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Eggnog Cream Puffs will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on any holiday table! Enjoy bringing joy and sweetness into your celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Eggnog Cream Puffs are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the pastry and filling ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to your holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If filled, consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
• For unfilled puffs, they can last up to 3 days before becoming stale.

Freezing

• Freeze unfilled cream puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer the frozen puffs to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
• The eggnog cream can also be frozen in an airtight container, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

• Reheat unfilled cream puffs directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

FAQs

Have questions about making Eggnog Cream Puffs? Here are some common ones!

Can I make Eggnog Cream Puffs without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as it whips up similarly. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba per egg.

How long do Eggnog Cream Puffs last?

Eggnog Cream Puffs are best eaten within 24 hours after filling. Unfilled puffs can last up to 3 days when stored properly.

Can I use store-bought eggnog for the filling?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe, saving you time while still delivering that festive flavor.

What if my cream puffs don’t puff up?

If your cream puffs don’t rise, ensure your oven is preheated properly and avoid opening the door during baking. The steam created is crucial for that lovely puff!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these delightful Eggnog Cream Puffs as I am! Their light, crispy shells filled with creamy holiday goodness truly bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with loved ones on a cozy evening, these treats are bound to impress. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every bite—happy cooking!