A lovely aroma wafted through my kitchen, immediately transporting me to cozy gatherings of holiday seasons past. With these Eggnog Cream Puffs, I’m excited to bring that nostalgic warmth back to life. This holiday dessert captures the festive spirit perfectly, featuring delicate choux pastry filled with a luscious spiced eggnog custard. Not only do they impress guests at any gathering, but they also allow for a quick prep time, so you can create something special without feeling frazzled. Imagining the delighted faces as they take a bite of these airy confections makes my heart smile. Are you ready to dive into the world of these delightful pastries? Let’s get started!

Eggnog Cream Puffs

Why Are Eggnog Cream Puffs Irresistible?

Delightful: These Eggnog Cream Puffs offer an enchanting blend of nostalgic flavors and festive cheer, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Simple Process: The easy step-by-step instructions ensure that even beginner bakers can impress their friends and family with minimal effort.

Impressive Presentation: With their beautiful, puffed pastry shells and sweet dusting of powdered sugar, they elevate your dessert table to new heights.

Customizable Flavor: Feel free to play with the filling—add spiced rum or a dash of cinnamon for your unique twist!

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These creamy, airy confections are sure to win over guests at any holiday party, making your gatherings merrier!

Eggnog Cream Puffs Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry

Water – Essential for moisture, helping to form the dough.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and ensures a tender texture in the pastry.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure to create that classic puff.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry.
Eggs (4 large) – Crucial for stability, moisture, and that delightful puffiness.

For the Eggnog Custard Filling

Eggnog (1.5 cups) – The star flavor of this filling, delivering creaminess and festive flair. Full-fat or flavored versions are best for richness.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup) – Sweetens the custard, balancing the spices.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons) – Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth custard.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon) – Infuses a lovely depth of flavor.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) – Adds that warm, spicy note that eggnog lovers cherish.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, optional) – Lightens the custard when whipped, providing an airy texture.

For Serving

Powdered Sugar – For dusting on top before serving, giving each puff a sweet finish.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggnog Cream Puffs

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, ½ cup of unsalted butter, and ¼ teaspoon of salt; bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a ball of dough forms—approximately 1-2 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the pan and leave a smooth surface.

Step 2: Cool & Add Eggs
Transfer the warm dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes to avoid cooking the eggs. Using a hand mixer or wooden spoon, beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should become glossy and pipeable, resembling a thick batter by the end.

Step 3: Bake Puffs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe rosettes or small mounds of the dough onto the prepared tray, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Turn off the oven, leaving the puffs inside for an additional 10 minutes to dry out completely.

Step 4: Make Filling
While the puffs are baking, it’s time to prepare the luscious eggnog custard. In a saucepan, whisk together 1.5 cups of eggnog, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens—about 5 minutes. Once thickened, stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set the custard aside to cool completely.

Step 5: Fill Puffs
Once the baked puffs have cooled on wire racks, it’s time to fill them with the eggnog custard. You can either slice the top off each puff or poke a small hole in the bottom. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each puff generously with the creamy eggnog filling, ensuring each one is well-stuffed for that delightful burst of flavor.

Step 6: Finish & Serve
To give your finished Eggnog Cream Puffs an elegant touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. For an extra festive flair, consider drizzling with melted white chocolate or a glaze if desired. Set them out on a festive platter, and watch as your guests delight in these irresistibly airy and creamy treats!

Eggnog Cream Puffs

Expert Tips for Eggnog Cream Puffs

Cool Dough First: Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth filling.
Pipe with Care: Use a piping bag for precise shapes. Aim for even size to ensure uniform baking for your Eggnog Cream Puffs.
Bake at Right Temp: Keep the oven temperature consistent to achieve perfectly puffed pastry. Opening the oven door can cause them to deflate.
Keep Unfilled Cool: Store unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. Fill them just before serving for best texture.
Make Custard Ahead: Prepare the eggnog custard a day in advance and refrigerate. This way, you can assemble quickly on the day of your gathering!

Eggnog Cream Puffs Variations

Get creative with your Eggnog Cream Puffs and make them uniquely yours with these delightful twists!

Spiced Spirit: Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon into the custard for a festive kick. It infuses each bite with a warming glow, perfect for holiday cheer.
Dairy-Free Delight: Swap traditional eggnog for a dairy-free version, such as almond or coconut eggnog, to accommodate vegan or lactose-free friends without sacrificing flavor.
Cinnamon Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon to the eggnog custard for a cozy warmth that harmonizes beautifully with the nutmeg. You’ll create a rich, aromatic essence in every puff.
Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the finished puffs. It’s an eye-catching addition that brings a new level of sweetness and elegance to your festive spread.
Mini Puffs: Instead of making large puffs, create mini versions for bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for parties and will be a hit as everyone loves mini desserts!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts into the custard for a textural contrast that adds richness—a lovely surprise in each decadent bite.
Fruity Finish: Enhance the filling with a dab of berry jam or fresh fruit puree, like raspberry or cranberry. This tartness will beautifully cut through the creaminess of the custard.

Embrace your inner chef and make these Eggnog Cream Puffs your personal holiday staple! Each variation brings something special to the table, making them a true crowd-pleaser at every gathering. Don’t forget about accompanying drinks; consider serving some spiced hot chocolate or even a light mulled wine for a festive pairing!

What to Serve with Eggnog Cream Puffs?

Imagine the festive atmosphere at your holiday gathering as you delight your guests with these light, airy treats adorned with velvety eggnog custard.

Spiced Hot Chocolate: This rich, warm drink complements the cream puffs perfectly, wrapping you in cozy flavors of cocoa and spices.
Mulled Wine: The aromatic blend of spices and fruit in mulled wine adds a lovely contrast to the sweet, creamy pastries.
Fresh Berries: A burst of tartness from seasonal berries enhances the sweetness of the cream puffs, creating a balanced dessert plate.
Pecan Pie Bites: These mini pies offer a crunchy contrast to the soft cream puffs, appealing to nut lovers and sweet tooths alike.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: The warm, sugary touch of mini donuts will evoke a festive ambiance while introducing delightful textures to your dessert spread.
Eggnog Latte: For true eggnog enthusiasts, this creamy drink solidifies the theme while providing a comforting pick-me-up in between treats.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream will accentuate the spiced eggnog flavor, making for an indulgent pairing.
Gingerbread Cookies: Their spicy notes complement the nutmeg in the cream that’s filled within each puff, offering a Christmas classic twist.
Christmas Fruitcake: For traditionalists, a slice of dense, fruit-filled cake provides a rustic, rich counterpart to the light pastries.
Lemon Meringue Tart: A slice of tartness from lemon meringue brings a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of eggnog cream puffs.

Make Ahead Options

These Eggnog Cream Puffs are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the choux pastry up to 3 days in advance; simply store the unfilled puffs in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. To make it easier, whip up the eggnog custard up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fill the puffs. Just keep in mind that filling the pastries right before serving will ensure they stay light and airy. When you’re ready to impress your guests, simply dust the filled puffs with powdered sugar for that festive touch. Enjoy the convenience of make-ahead baking without compromising on flavor!

How to Store and Freeze Eggnog Cream Puffs

Room Temperature: Store unfilled Eggnog Cream Puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispness and texture.
Fridge: If filled, keep the cream puffs in the refrigerator, covered loosely, for up to 1 day. Filling them just before serving is best to retain their lightness.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled cream puffs on a baking tray until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 1 month. Re-crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes before filling.
Reheating: For optimal taste and texture, reheat filled cream puffs gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid sogginess.

Eggnog Cream Puffs

Eggnog Cream Puffs Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right eggnog for the filling?
Choose a full-fat or flavored eggnog for a richer taste and creamier texture. The quality of the eggnog directly impacts the flavor of your filling, so I recommend opting for homemade or premium store-bought versions that showcase warm spices.

How should I store leftover Eggnog Cream Puffs?
If you have filled Eggnog Cream Puffs, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for up to 1 day. This helps maintain their texture. For unfilled puffs, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days so they stay crisp.

Can I freeze Eggnog Cream Puffs?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfilled Eggnog Cream Puffs. Place them on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes before adding your eggnog custard.

What should I do if my cream puffs don’t puff up?
If your puffs don’t rise as expected, it could be due to undercooking or an incorrect oven temperature. Ensure that the oven is fully preheated before placing the puffs inside, and avoid opening the door during baking as this can cause them to deflate. Also, make sure the dough is well mixed and that the eggs are fully incorporated for maximum puffing.

Are Eggnog Cream Puffs suitable for those with allergies?
These delightful treats contain common allergens such as eggs, gluten, and dairy. If you’re catering to guests with specific allergies, consider using egg replacers or gluten-free flour, and explore dairy-free versions of eggnog. However, always check labels and be cautious, as cross-contamination can occur.

How far in advance can I make the eggnog custard?
You can prepare the eggnog custard filling a day ahead. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator after it cools completely. This makes your day-of assembly quick and easy!