Eggnog Cream Puffs: A Cozy Holiday Delight
As the weather turns colder and the holiday season approaches, I find myself reminiscing about the traditions that make this time of year so special. One of my favorite memories is the sweet scent of eggnog wafting through my kitchen as my family gathered to enjoy the festivities together. Those cherished moments of laughter, warmth, and comfort have inspired this delightful recipe for eggnog cream puffs. Imagine tender, golden puffs filled with a creamy, dreamy eggnog filling — a perfect holiday treat! You’ll want to savor every bite. This is a cream-filled dessert that’s not only beautiful but also brings that nostalgic, cozy vibe we all crave during the holidays. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully Fluffy: These easy eggnog cream puffs are light and airy, adding a touch of sophistication to your holiday table.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your friends and family with these crowd-pleasing treats that are sure to steal the show.
- Family-Friendly: A fun treat for all ages, making it a perfect activity for kids to help with during family gatherings.
- Indulgent Flavor: With the rich eggnog cream filling, these puffs are a creamy fall dessert you’ll want to indulge in all season long.
- Quick to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats without any fuss, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To bring this festive treat to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these delightful eggnog cream puffs!
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter; bring to a boil.
- Stir in flour until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon swirls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, eggnog, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Cut the tops off the cooled puffs and fill with eggnog cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling creative? Here are a few delightful twists you can try to make these eggnog cream puffs even more special:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cream puffs for a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Spiced Pumpkin Filling: Substitute half of the eggnog with pumpkin puree and add a pinch of cinnamon for a delightful autumn twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Before serving, roll the filled puffs in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced kick.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing holiday flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your eggnog cream puffs turn out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Make Ahead: You can make the puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to two days before filling them.
- Piping Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, simply cut the corner off a zip-top bag to fill your cream puffs easily.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover filled puffs in the refrigerator for up to a day. The shells may soften over time, so it’s best to eat them fresh!
- Ingredient Substitutions: For a lighter version, you can use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the filling.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition information for these delightful eggnog cream puffs:
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 65mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions you may have while making these delicious treats:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the cream puffs in advance and fill them just before serving for the best texture.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the filling with your favorite flavored cream or use a different kind of milk.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any filled puffs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a day for optimal freshness.
- How long does it last? The unfilled puff shells can last a few days at room temperature; however, filled puffs are best consumed within a day.
Wrapping It Up
These eggnog cream puffs encapsulate the essence of the holiday season with their comforting flavors and delightful textures. They’re perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or as a sweet surprise for family and friends. I hope these cream puffs bring warmth, joy, and a sprinkle of magic to your holiday celebrations! Save this Eggnog Cream Puffs recipe to your holiday treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy dessert! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Eggnog Cream Puffs
Ingredients
For the Cream Puffs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Eggnog Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter; bring to a boil.
- Stir in flour until the mixture forms a ball.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon swirls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Let cool completely.
Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, eggnog, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Cut the tops off the cooled puffs and fill with eggnog cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
