Golden Airy Puffs (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ To Make the Puffs
01 -
4 eggs, large and brought to room temperature
02 -
3/4 cup plain flour
03 -
1 cup milk, whole
04 -
1/2 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
05 -
1/2 to 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for taste)
06 -
2-3 tablespoons sugar for sprinkling over the top
→ Optional Toppings
07 -
A drizzle of honey
08 -
Whipped cream as a topping
09 -
Fruit - either sliced or fresh berries
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up. Make sure to grease the cups and rims of a muffin tray, covering everything evenly so the dough doesn’t stick once expanded.
02 -
Using a medium pan on moderate heat, melt the butter completely. Add in the milk and allow it to heat until bubbles form at the edges, but don’t let it fully boil. Watch it so it doesn’t spill over.
03 -
When the milk and butter mix starts bubbling gently, dump in the flour in one go. Stir quickly and thoroughly with a wooden spoon, keeping the pan on low heat. Keep stirring for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture smooths out and pulls from the pan’s sides.
04 -
Take the pan off the heat and let the dough sit for roughly 5 minutes. It should feel warm, not hot, before you add the eggs. If it’s too hot, you might end up cooking the eggs instead of mixing them in properly.
05 -
Crack in one egg at a time, stirring well with a wooden spoon after each addition. The dough will initially seem to split, but keep mixing! It’ll eventually turn into a shiny, smooth consistency. If you'd like, stir in the optional sugar with the last egg.
06 -
Scoop the dough into the muffin cups, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Don’t overstuff! Sprinkle sugar generously across the tops for a delightful crispness when baked.
07 -
Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the puffs bake for 30 minutes. They’ll rise beautifully and turn golden. During the first 20 minutes, resist opening the oven door—it’ll ruin their puffed-up shape.
08 -
After taking the puffs out of the oven, let them sit in the tray for 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove while warm and serve right away. Honey drizzles, whipped cream, or fruit make them even better!
# Notes:
01 -
These treats are a twist on choux pastry made simpler by baking in a muffin pan to shape them easily.
02 -
Make them sweet or savory—leave out the sugar for savory fillings, or keep it for desserts or breakfast with sweet toppings.
03 -
Once cooked through, the insides of the puffs are airy and hollow, perfect for delicious fillings like fruit, custard, or whipped cream.
04 -
For the best taste, enjoy them the same day they’re baked while they’re still light and crispy.