Amid the twinkling lights of holiday markets and bustling festive streets, there’s a creamy delight calling your name. Picture bustling Parisian bakeries filled with seductive pastries or fabled alleys in Vienna where dessert dreams come alive — today, we’re embarking on a flavor journey that lands squarely in the realm of the extraordinary. Welcome to your new holiday obsession: Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs!
Why make this recipe?
Because darling, while the standard holiday fare is the comforting embrace of tradition, these cream puffs are your passport to indulgence! Infused with the warm, nostalgic hug of eggnog and an irresistible, fluffy choux pastry, these treats aren’t just desserts; they’re a celebration of life, joy, and a cheeky wink to the flavor maestros of yore!
How to make Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 4 Large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Eggnog
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Rum extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
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Craft the Choux Pastry: Bring together the water and unsalted butter in a pot over medium heat until it’s a bubbling extravaganza. Add in the flour and salt, stirring with a determination that would put Hercules to shame until the mixture forms that glorious ball and pulls away from the pan like a true culinary champ.
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Puff It Up: Let your dough cool slightly before adding those eggs one at a time, mixing until you’re left with a smooth, glossy batter. Now comes the fun part! Using a piping bag (or a ziplock with a corner snipped off, let’s keep it real), pipe your pastry onto a baking sheet, forming little mounds of potential magic. Pop these beauties into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and let them bake until they’re golden brown and firm. Remember, no peeking—this is like baking magic happening!
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The Filling Finesse: Allow those puffs to cool completely—patience is a virtue, my dear! While they chill, whisk together the heavy cream, eggnog, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, rum extract (if you’re feeling a little daring), and ground nutmeg until soft peaks form. Be gentle—overwhipping could bring on a soupy scene instead of fluffy delight!
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Fill the Fabulously Flaky Puffs: Get your piping game on, and fill those cooled cream puffs with your dreamy eggnog cream. If piping isn’t quite your jam, then slice ‘em in half and spoon that luscious filling in there. It’s like filling a cozy winter sweater with warmth!
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Finishing Touch: Dust with powdered sugar like you’re sparking holiday fairy dust all over your creations and prepare to bask in the applause as you present them to your adoring admirers!
How to serve Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs
Imagine gathering around a festive table draped in shimmering lights — serve these cream puffs on a beautiful platter with a sprig of peppermint or freshly grated nutmeg for an aromatic presentation. Let the flavors become a conversational cue, a delightful trigger that ignites holiday stories and shared laughter.
How to store Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs
If by some miracle there are leftovers (seriously, we should probably leave that one to the culinary gods!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, nothing beats enjoying them fresh, so try to gobble them up within two days for the ultimate creamy experience!
Tips to make Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs
- Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream; it’s a small trick that makes a big difference! It keeps everything perfectly fluffy and holds air like a pro.
- Don’t rush the baking process — letting the puffs cool completely is key; otherwise, you risk a soggy disaster!
- Play around with flavors! A dash of cinnamon can lend a warm earthiness that sings of cozy holidays.
Variations
Take a stroll across flavor avenues! Infuse your eggnog filling with cardamom or swap the eggnog with spiked vanilla custard for a twist that can tickle any taste bud!
FAQs
Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?
While choux pastry is best made fresh, you can prepare the dough, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and bake it as you please. Just remember to avoid opening the oven!
What if I don’t have rum extract?
No worries! Simply skip it or substitute with extra vanilla extract or a splash of your favorite liqueur for that extra oomph!
Can I freeze the cream puffs?
You can freeze the unfilled puffs for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge and fill them with eggnog cream before serving. Just beware: they won’t be as crispy on the outside!
Join the celebration of flavors and bring a burst of whimsy to your holiday gatherings with Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs — your taste buds will thank you, and your holiday spirit will soar! Bon appétit!
Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs
Ingredients
Method
- Bring together the water and unsalted butter in a pot over medium heat until bubbling.
- Add in the flour and salt, stirring until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the pan.
- Let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and glossy.
- Pipe the pastry onto a baking sheet in small mounds.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and firm, without opening the oven door.
- Allow puffs to cool completely.
- Whisk together heavy cream, eggnog, sugar, vanilla, rum extract (if using), and nutmeg until soft peaks form.
- Fill cooled cream puffs with the eggnog cream using a piping bag or by slicing them in half.
- Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar before serving.