Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs Holiday Delight

Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs Holiday Delight are a delightful twist on traditional cream puffs, perfect for bringing a touch of holiday cheer to your gatherings. These treats are light and airy, filled with a luscious eggnog-flavored cream that just melts in your mouth. Whether for a festive party or a cozy family gathering, these cream puffs are sure to impress your loved ones and create lasting memories.

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love making these Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs because they encapsulate the spirit of the holidays in every bite. With their festive flavor and stunning appearance, they make a perfect dessert for any winter celebration. Not to mention, they’re relatively quick to whip up, and you can fill them just before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

"These cream puffs were the highlight of our holiday party, and they vanished in no time," says a happy home baker.

Imagine the smiles on your family and friends’ faces as they indulge in these dreamy treats while reminiscing about cherished holiday moments. The combination of eggnog and nutmeg brings warmth and comfort, making them a must-try this season.

How to Make Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs Holiday Delight

Creating these cream puffs is an adventure in baking that yields delightful results. You’ll start by preparing the choux pastry, which is the foundation of your cream puffs. Once your dough is smooth and pulls away from the pan, you’ll pipe it onto a baking sheet and pop it into the oven. The careful baking ensures they become golden brown and firm, so be patient during this step!

After your puffs have cooled completely, it’s time to make that heavenly eggnog cream filling. With a simple blend of heavy cream, eggnog, sugar, and spices, whipping it to soft peaks creates a luscious texture that is irresistible. Fill the puffs just before you plan to serve them, and a light dusting of powdered sugar will give them a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

Gather these items to make your Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs:

Water
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Large eggs
Salt
Heavy cream
Eggnog
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Rum extract (optional)
Ground nutmeg
Powdered sugar

For a twist, consider using flavored extracts or swapping in a dairy-free cream for the filling to accommodate various dietary preferences!

Directions

Prepare the choux pastry according to your favorite recipe or one you trust, ensuring the dough is smooth and forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Pipe the choux pastry onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and firm, avoiding opening the oven during baking. Allow the baked puffs to cool completely before filling them. Whip the heavy cream with eggnog, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, rum extract (optional), and ground nutmeg until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip. Fill the cooled cream puffs with the eggnog cream filling using a piping bag or by cutting the puffs in half and spooning in the filling. Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs Holiday Delight

These Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them on a festive platter with a sprinkle of extra nutmeg or cinnamon for a lovely presentation. They pair wonderfully with a rich cup of hot chocolate or even a nice steaming cup of coffee. For a fun twist, consider offering a selection of toppings, such as crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, to let guests customize their treats.

How to Store

To keep your cream puffs fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re best enjoyed within a day or two of filling, as the moisture from the cream can cause the pastry to become soft over time. If you’re making them ahead of time, consider filling them just before serving. You can also freeze unfilled cream puffs for up to a month; just allow them to cool completely before storing.

Tips to Make

For the best results, ensure your butter is melted and water is boiling before adding the flour for the choux pastry. This will help achieve that light, airy texture. When whipping your cream, keep a close eye on it to avoid overwhipping, which can lead to a grainy texture. Additionally, a little patience while the puffs bake will go a long way; resist the urge to open the oven door too soon!

Variations

While the classic eggnog cream is delightful, you can also experiment with other flavors. Swap out the eggnog for peppermint extract for a fresh minty twist, or use a flavored whipped cream like pumpkin spice during fall. For a fun holiday look, add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.

FAQs

Can I make the cream puffs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry and fill them on the day you plan to serve for the best texture. The unfilled puffs can be frozen.

What can I substitute for eggnog?
For a non-alcoholic version, you can use a mixture of milk and heavy cream flavored with nutmeg and vanilla.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in the choux pastry for a gluten-free option.

How do I whip the cream properly?
Start with cold heavy cream and beat slowly at first, gradually increasing speed until soft peaks form. Stop whipping immediately once you reach this stage.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you loved these cream puffs, try making a delightful bento cake for a special occasion or check out our mini bento cake recipe for smaller treats that are equally adorable. Don’t forget to browse our protein muffins for a quick, healthy snack option.

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Emily

Dreamy Eggnog Cream Puffs

Delightful cream puffs filled with a luscious eggnog-flavored cream, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 puffs

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Choux Pastry

• 1 cup Water Boiling water for the choux pastry.
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter Melted butter.
• 1 cup All-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• 4 large Eggs Large eggs at room temperature.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

For the Eggnog Cream Filling

• 1 cup Heavy cream Cold heavy cream.
• 1/2 cup Eggnog Store-bought or homemade.
• 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Rum extract (optional) Optional for flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg For flavor.
• 1 cup Powdered sugar For dusting.

Method

 

Preparing the Choux Pastry

1. Prepare the choux pastry by combining boiling water and melted butter in a saucepan.
2. Add flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until it forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the pan.
3. Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and firm, avoiding opening the oven during baking.
5. Allow the baked puffs to cool completely.

Making the Eggnog Cream Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, whip cold heavy cream with eggnog, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, optional rum extract, and ground nutmeg until soft peaks form.
2. Be careful not to overwhip the cream.

Filling the Cream Puffs

1. Fill the cooled cream puffs with the eggnog cream filling using a piping bag or by cutting them in half.
2. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Best served fresh and on a festive platter. Store unfilled puffs in an airtight container for up to a month or filled puffs for up to three days in the refrigerator.