Eggnog Cream Puffs That Will Delight Your Holiday Gatherings

Every holiday season, my kitchen turns into a wonderland of warmth and cheer, and it’s all thanks to my beloved Eggnog Cream Puffs. I can still picture the first time I made them, a recipe handed down from my grandmother. The aroma of freshly baked puffs wafting through the house was intoxicating, and the kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement, asking when they could eat some. It’s become a cherished tradition, a staple that brings everyone together, giggling and stealing bites before we even sit down to enjoy them.

These delightful morsels are perfect for winter gatherings when the days are short and the nights are cozy. With their rich eggnog flavor and fluffy cream filling, they capture the essence of the holidays in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family or bringing them to a festive party, Eggnog Cream Puffs are sure to be a hit that keeps everyone smiling. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a cherished part of my family’s holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love "Eggnog Cream Puffs"

• Quick prep time: You can whip these up in just 20 minutes!
• Minimal ingredients: Simple pantry staples create a delightful treat.
• Family-friendly: A fun recipe that kids love to help with, perfect for holiday bonding.
• Freezer-friendly: Make them ahead of time and freeze for easy holiday entertaining.
• Customizable: Add your own twist with different flavors or toppings!
• Impressive presentation: These cream puffs look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup butter, cubed (I love using unsalted butter for the best flavor)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (measured precisely for the best texture)
• ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if you have it, it makes a huge difference!)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature (important for a smooth dough)
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (the higher the fat content, the better the whip!)
• 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted for a smooth filling)
• ¼ cup eggnog (homemade or store-bought, whatever brings you joy!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for that extra depth of flavor)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for the filling, to keep that festive flavor going!)
• Additional confectioners’ sugar for dusting (to make them look all pretty and festive)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the cream puffs get that perfect rise and golden color.

Make the Dough

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, ½ cup of cubed butter, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a boil. The butter should melt completely.
2. Once boiling, quickly stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ¾ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should only take a minute or two.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them.
4. Now, add the 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. Don’t worry if it looks a little runny at first—it will come together beautifully!

Bake the Cream Puffs

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will keep the cream puffs from sticking.
2. Using a spoon or a pastry bag, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for about 12 puffs, leaving some space in between as they will puff up.
3. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Resist the urge to open the oven door while they bake; it can cause them to deflate!
4. Once baked, let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from getting soggy.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream. Whip it until soft peaks form—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Next, gradually add in 1 ½ cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, along with ¼ cup of eggnog, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Keep whipping until stiff peaks form. You want that filling to hold its shape!

Fill the Cream Puffs

1. Once your cream puffs are completely cooled, carefully cut off the tops with a serrated knife. This is where the magic happens!
2. Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cream puff generously with the eggnog whipped cream mixture. Don’t be shy—you want them to be nice and full!
3. Replace the tops of the cream puffs and dust them with additional confectioners’ sugar to make them look absolutely irresistible.

Variations

• Swap eggnog for pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for an adult version.
• Try using chocolate ganache instead of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
• Make gluten-free puffs by using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive holiday crunch.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve these Eggnog Cream Puffs chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. They’re delightful on their own or paired with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For an extra festive touch, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the filled puffs for up to a month. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture!

Helpful Notes

• For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
• Consider using dairy-free butter and cream for a dairy-free option.
• To enhance flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
• Make sure to sift your confectioners’ sugar to avoid lumps in the filling.
• These puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be made a day ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Eggnog Cream Puffs?

Yes, you can freeze Eggnog Cream Puffs! Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for the best texture.

How can I substitute ingredients?

If you need to substitute ingredients, you can use margarine instead of butter, or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. If you don’t have eggnog, you can use a mixture of milk and a splash of vanilla or rum flavoring for a similar taste.

What if I can’t find eggnog?

If you can’t find eggnog, don’t fret! You can make a simple homemade version by mixing together milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg. Alternatively, you can use any festive flavored creamer as a substitute for the eggnog in the filling.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my cherished recipe for Eggnog Cream Puffs that brings a sprinkle of magic to the holiday season. I hope you can feel the joy and warmth these little puffs bring, just as they do in my home. Don’t be intimidated by the steps; it’s all about the love you pour into it. Gather your family, put on some holiday music, and let the laughter and chatter fill the kitchen as you create these delightful treats. I can’t wait for you to try them and see the smiles on your loved ones’ faces! Happy baking!

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