As the winter chill settles in, I find myself drawn to the warmth of our kitchen, where the enchanting aroma of baking sweet treats fills the air. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Eggnog Cream Puffs – an easy holiday dessert recipe that effortlessly brings the festive spirit to your gatherings. These delightful puffs are crafted from airy choux pastry, perfectly cradling a rich, creamy filling infused with holiday spices. Not only do they look stunning on your dessert table, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser that can be whipped up in no time! Plus, they can be frozen unfilled ahead of time, allowing you to keep the festive flavors at your fingertips. Curious how to craft these festive delights? Let’s dive in!
Why Are Eggnog Cream Puffs Amazing?
Irresistible Flavor: The cozy blend of eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla creates a festive flavor that transports you straight to holiday bliss.
Quick & Easy: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Crowd Favorite: With their elegant appearance and delightful taste, these cream puffs are sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
Make Ahead: Prepare the pastry shells in advance, then fill them with cream right before serving for ultimate freshness—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Ready to explore other delightful holiday treats? Check out Cajun Chicken Spaghetti for a hearty and festive dish or indulge in a sweet fix with Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Tacos.
Eggnog Cream Puffs Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture for a delectable pastry. Use salted butter if needed but adjust the salt amount.
- Water – Hydrates the dough, creating steam to help the puffs rise. No substitutions needed.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the pastry; for a gluten-free option, gluten-free flour may work, but results may vary.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of the pastry; no substitutions needed.
- Large Eggs – Imparts structure and richness to the dough; egg-free alternatives may lead to a different texture.
For the Eggnog Filling
- Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, smooth filling. Whipping cream can be used for a lighter alternative, though it will not be as rich.
- Eggnog – The star flavor for the filling, making these Eggnog Cream Puffs truly festive. Store-bought eggnog can be adjusted for sweetness as needed.
- Sugar – Adds delightful sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; there are no substitutions needed for this key ingredient.
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg – Provides an aromatic spice that beautifully complements the eggnog; ground nutmeg can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
For Garnish
- Powdered Sugar – A beautiful finishing touch for dusting on the cream puffs, adding visual appeal and a bit of sweetness; no substitutions needed.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog Cream Puffs – Easy Holiday Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Make Pâte à Choux Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat, quickly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and stir vigorously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add Eggs
In a large bowl, transfer the cooled dough and add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it becomes glossy and smooth, about 5 minutes. The dough will be ready when it holds a thick ribbon shape. This rich choux pastry will create the perfect base for your Eggnog Cream Puffs.
Step 3: Pipe & Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe small mounds of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and doubled in size. Remove them from the oven and immediately pierce the sides of each puff with a skewer to release steam.
Step 4: Prepare Eggnog Cream
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of eggnog, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Using an electric mixer, whip the ingredients on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, around 3-4 minutes. Once ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the cream to firm up.
Step 5: Fill Puffs
Once the choux pastry has cooled completely, use a serrated knife to cut off the tops of each puff or pierce their bottoms with a small hole. Fill a clean piping bag with the chilled eggnog cream, then pipe it generously into each puff until full. Replace the tops if you cut them off for an elegant finish, ensuring each Eggnog Cream Puff is beautifully filled.
Step 6: Garnish
Before serving your delightful Eggnog Cream Puffs, dust them lightly with powdered sugar using a fine sieve for a lovely presentation. This simple garnish adds a sweet touch and enhances the festive look of your holiday dessert. Enjoy these airy treats warm or cold for a delightful end to your holiday gathering!
How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Cream Puffs
Fridge: Store filled Eggnog Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh, but for best texture, fill just before serving.
Freezer: Unfilled choux pastry shells can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a resealable bag to maintain their crispness.
Reheating: If desired, reheat frozen shells in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their original texture before filling with cream.
Cream Storage: For leftover eggnog cream, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; re-whip before using if needed.
What to Serve with Eggnog Cream Puffs
These delightful pastries are the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table, inviting cozy gatherings filled with laughter and joy.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, complementing the rich cream puffs while enhancing the holiday cheer. The bursts of color and flavor will brighten up your dessert spread.
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Spiced Hot Cocoa: This warm, chocolaty drink brings comfort to your festivities and pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the puffs. The hints of cinnamon and nutmeg evoke a festive ambiance, warming everyone’s hearts.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Gingerbread’s spicy sweetness is a wonderful match for the eggnog cream, providing a delightful combination of flavors that capture the essence of Christmas. The crunch of each bite melds harmoniously with the light pastries.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a smooth, cool accompaniment to the rich cream puffs, creating a lovely balance of temperatures that enhance their flavor profile. It’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy!
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Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced beverage pairs wonderfully with the festive flavors of eggnog, creating a comforting experience that elevates your holiday celebrations. The aromatic spices complement the cream puffs delightfully.
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Holiday Cheesecake: A slice of rich, creamy cheesecake topped with a festive glaze adds a luxurious touch to your dessert table. The cheesecake’s decadence offers an indulgence that goes hand in hand with our airy Eggnog Cream Puffs.
Make Ahead Options
Eggnog Cream Puffs are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to streamline your holiday baking! You can prepare the choux pastry shells up to 2 days in advance—simply bake them, cool completely, and store in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen, unfilled, for up to 2 months. The eggnog cream can be whipped up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; just cover it tightly to maintain its luscious texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the chilled pastry shells with the cream and dust with powdered sugar for that perfect festive touch. Making these Eggnog Cream Puffs in advance ensures they remain just as delightful and fresh for your holiday gatherings!
Expert Tips for Eggnog Cream Puffs
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Perfecting Dough Texture: Ensure the dough is glossy after adding eggs; undermixing can lead to dense puffs that won’t rise.
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Oven Precision: Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature; an incorrect oven can affect baking time and puffing.
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Steam Release: Always pierce the puffs immediately after baking to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause them to lose their crispiness.
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Cream Consistency: Chill the heavy cream before whipping; this will give you a better texture and stability when filling your Eggnog Cream Puffs.
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Freezing Tips: Unfilled choux shells can be frozen; just make sure they are completely cool before wrapping to maintain their crispiness.
Eggnog Cream Puffs Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize these eggnog cream puffs to suit your taste or dietary preferences with these delightful twists!
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Flavored Cream: Swap out eggnog for flavored whipped cream like peppermint or vanilla for a festive twist. The change elevates the classic into something uniquely yours.
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Cinnamon Delight: Add ground cinnamon or allspice to the cream filling for a warm, spiced flavor that enhances the holiday spirit. It complements the nutmeg beautifully, creating a cozy winter treat.
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Choco-Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate on top or fold in mini chocolate chips to your cream for a decadent flavor boost that will leave chocolate lovers swooning.
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Nutty Crunch: For an unexpected crunchy texture, incorporate finely chopped nuts into the cream filling. Pecans or hazelnuts provide a lovely contrast to the smooth cream.
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Vegan Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and eggnog with almond milk or a vegan eggnog alternative for a dairy-free twist. You’ll still enjoy a deliciously creamy treat!
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Fruit Infusion: Add a layer of fruit puree or fresh fruit like berries to the filling for a refreshing balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s a beautiful presentation that adds seasonal color too.
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Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cream filling. Just a little can enhance the flavor profile and add an interesting depth!
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Citrus Zing: A splash of orange or lemon zest in the cream can brighten the flavors and enhance the festive vibe. Citrus complements the eggnog flavors beautifully, making every bite a delight.
If you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, why not explore this comforting Pumpkin Curry to warm your winter evenings or indulge in a festive drink with an Iced Pumpkin Cream?
Eggnog Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs
What kind of eggs should I use for Eggnog Cream Puffs?
I recommend using large eggs for the best results. They provide both structure and richness to the choux pastry, which helps your puffs rise beautifully. Smaller or alternative eggs may alter the texture, so stick to large eggs if possible!
How should I store leftover Eggnog Cream Puffs?
For the best texture, always store filled Eggnog Cream Puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh, but filling them just before serving is ideal. If you need to store them already filled, enjoy them within this time frame to maintain their light and airy texture.
Can I freeze unfilled Eggnog Cream Puffs?
Absolutely! Unfilled choux pastry shells can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are completely cool before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a resealable bag to maintain their crispness.
What should I do if my cream puffs don’t rise?
If your cream puffs fail to rise, you might want to check your oven temperature using an oven thermometer. An incorrect temperature could affect baking time and the puffing process. Additionally, ensure you added enough eggs to achieve the desired dough consistency. Never skip the crucial step of piercing the puffs after baking to release steam!
Can I use store-bought eggnog instead of making my own?
Yes, using store-bought eggnog is a fantastic time-saver! Just be mindful that it tends to be sweeter, so you may want to adjust the sugar in your filling accordingly. It will still provide that delightful festive flavor we’re aiming for!
What are some alternatives if I’m allergic to eggs or gluten?
For an egg-free version of these Eggnog Cream Puffs, consider aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to replace each egg; use about 3 tablespoons per egg. As for gluten-free options, a suitable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can substitute all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine through!
Eggnog Cream Puffs – Easy Holiday Dessert for Cozy Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat, quickly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and stir vigorously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, transfer the cooled dough and add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until it becomes glossy and smooth, about 5 minutes. The dough will be ready when it holds a thick ribbon shape.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe small mounds of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and doubled in size. Remove them from the oven and immediately pierce the sides of each puff with a skewer to release steam.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of eggnog, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Using an electric mixer, whip the ingredients on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, around 3-4 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Once the choux pastry has cooled completely, use a serrated knife to cut off the tops of each puff or pierce their bottoms with a small hole. Fill a clean piping bag with the chilled eggnog cream, then pipe it generously into each puff until full.
- Before serving, dust the cream puffs lightly with powdered sugar using a fine sieve.
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