Crispy, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, honey butter nun’s puffs deliver rich, golden bites generously glazed in sweet, buttery perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Golden, airy puffs with a delicate texture
- Made with pantry staples and no yeast
- Honey-butter glaze adds rich, indulgent flavor
- Bakes beautifully in a muffin tin—no special equipment needed
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for glaze)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in flour, sugar, and salt. Stir until mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until batter is smooth and glossy.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking.
- While the puffs bake, mix the honey and melted butter in a small bowl to make the glaze.
- Remove the puffs from the oven and immediately brush with the honey-butter glaze.
- Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories Per Serving: 160 kcal
Variations
- Maple Glaze: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Savory Twist: Omit the sugar and honey, and add grated cheese and herbs to the batter for a savory version.
- Lemon-Honey Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter and lemon juice to the glaze.
- Mini Puffs: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized versions and reduce bake time to 25–30 minutes.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes until crisp again.
They can also be frozen (un-glazed) and reheated directly from the freezer.
FAQs
Why Are They Called Nun’s Puffs?
The name comes from a traditional French pastry known as “Pets de Nonne,” which means “Nun’s Farts”—a whimsical name for a light, airy pastry.
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk?
Whole milk is best for richness, but 2% can be used with slightly less flavor.
Do I Have To Use a Muffin Tin?
It helps shape the puffs and makes baking easy, but you can also use ramekins or popover pans.
Can I Make These Ahead?
Yes, bake ahead and store unglazed. Reheat and glaze just before serving for best texture.
Can I Freeze Nun’s Puffs?
Yes, freeze them unglazed in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven, then brush with glaze.
What If My Puffs Deflate?
They may deflate slightly, but they should still be tender inside. Ensure you bake long enough and avoid opening the oven door early.
What Texture Should They Have?
The outside should be crisp and golden, while the inside should be soft and custardy.
Can I Make Them Sweeter?
Yes, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the batter or serve with extra honey.
Are These Like Cream Puffs?
They’re similar in base technique to pâte à choux, but baked and glazed instead of filled.
Can I Add Fruit?
Yes, small bits of dried fruit or a dollop of jam added to the center before baking can work nicely.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Nun’s Puffs are a charming, nostalgic pastry that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Their golden tops, soft centers, and sweet glaze make them irresistible and versatile enough for both elegant brunches and casual breakfasts. Simple to make and impossible to forget, they’re a sweet little indulgence that’s sure to please.
More Buttery Bakes You’ll Love
- For a light, fruit-filled morning treat, try the Peach Pie Cruffins—a flaky muffin-croissant hybrid with sweet peach filling.
- Add a creamy touch with the Delicious Cream Cheese Danish—perfect with coffee or brunch spreads.
- Explore a honey-kissed savory option with the Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn—a cozy side that shares flavor notes with your Nun’s Puffs.
- Keep the puffed pastry vibe going with Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Muffin Cups—savory and irresistibly fluffy.
- For something delightfully unexpected, enjoy the crisp sweetness of Cinnamon Sugar Ritz Cracker Bites—a fun snack with nostalgic charm.
Honey Butter Nun’s Puffs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, airy, and decadently buttery, these Nun’s Puffs are a delightful treat made with simple ingredients. Their crisp golden exterior and creamy honey-butter glaze make them a bite-sized pastry perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for glaze)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the butter has melted completely.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the flour, sugar, and salt until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the puffs are golden and have risen significantly. Do not open the oven door during baking.
- While the puffs bake, mix the honey and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Remove the puffs from the oven and immediately brush them with the honey-butter glaze.
- Let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is slightly cooled before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
- Do not open the oven while baking to prevent collapse.
- Best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the oven for a crisp finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg