Eggnog Cream Puffs: Quick, Delicious, and Holiday-Ready

Last holiday season, I found myself in a kitchen filled with laughter, spilled flour, and the sweet aroma of eggnog. Inspired by those cozy family moments, I created these eggnog cream puffs—a dessert that’s quick, easy, and perfect for sharing. With a creamy eggnog filling and light, airy pastry, these holiday cream puffs are a crowd-pleaser. They’re customizable, family-friendly, and a festive twist on a classic dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make, these eggnog cream puffs are a must-try. The light, airy pastry pairs perfectly with a rich eggnog cream filling, creating a dessert that’s irresistible at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. This eggnog cream puffs recipe is quick, family-friendly, and fully customizable—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Using leftover eggnog in the filling adds festive flavor, while the creamy eggnog pastry cream brings a deliciously spiced touch. Whether served as individual cream puffs or mini treats, these holiday cream puffs capture the essence of comfort and celebration in every bite. With simple ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and eggnog, anyone can create this classic holiday treat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings or add a drizzle of eggnog glaze for extra flair. From beginner bakers to experienced dessert lovers, these eggnog cream puffs deliver a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Creating the perfect eggnog cream puffs starts with understanding each component. The choux pastry forms the light, airy base that holds the creamy filling, requiring simple ingredients like water, butter, flour, and eggs. The star of this recipe is the eggnog pastry cream, which combines eggnog, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch to create a rich, spiced filling that’s perfect for the holidays. A touch of butter and vanilla adds silkiness and depth, while nutmeg enhances the festive flavor. For an optional finishing touch, the eggnog glaze ties the dessert together, adding sweetness and a subtle spiced aroma. Each ingredient is essential for balancing texture and flavor, ensuring these holiday cream puffs are both indulgent and approachable for any baker. Using leftover eggnog in the pastry cream is a clever way to reduce waste while creating a dessert that embodies the spirit of the season. With these carefully chosen ingredients, your eggnog cream puffs will be a show-stopping treat.

🛒 Ingredients (makes about 12–14 cream puffs):

For the Puffs (Choux Pastry):
1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs

For the Eggnog Pastry Cream Filling:
2 cups eggnog
½ cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

For the Eggnog Glaze (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons eggnog

How to Make This Recipe

Making eggnog cream puffs combines simple techniques with the rich flavor of holiday eggnog. The process begins with creating a light and airy choux pastry, which forms the perfect vessel for the creamy eggnog filling. Next, the eggnog pastry cream is prepared using fresh eggnog, sugar, and egg yolks, then thickened with cornstarch to achieve a smooth, luscious texture. Assembling the cream puffs involves filling each puff with the spiced eggnog cream filling, then finishing with an optional eggnog glaze for extra sweetness and holiday flavor. This eggnog cream puffs recipe is family-friendly, quick to make, and customizable, allowing you to adjust spices or glaze to taste. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy winter evenings, these holiday cream puffs showcase the comforting, festive flavor of eggnog while remaining light and indulgent. Using leftover eggnog in the filling adds a practical and delicious twist that ensures nothing goes to waste.

🛒 Steps (makes about 12–14 cream puffs):

Prepare the Puffs (Choux Pastry)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, ½ cup unsalted butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat, add 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
Return to heat 1–2 minutes to dry slightly. Remove and let cool 5 minutes.
Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, until smooth and glossy.
Pipe or spoon dough onto baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool completely.

Prepare the Eggnog Pastry Cream Filling
Heat 2 cups eggnog until warm.
Whisk together 4 large egg yolks, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup cornstarch.
Gradually pour warm eggnog into yolks, whisking constantly.
Return mixture to saucepan; cook over medium heat until thickened.
Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Cool.

Assemble the Eggnog Cream Puffs
Cut cooled puffs in half horizontally.
Fill with eggnog pastry cream.
Top with puff tops. Optionally drizzle with 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2–3 tablespoons eggnog glaze.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect eggnog cream puffs requires a few expert techniques to ensure your choux pastry is light and airy while your eggnog cream filling is smooth and flavorful. Always measure ingredients carefully for the puffs, as the right balance of butter, flour, and eggs is key to achieving the perfect rise. When making the eggnog pastry cream, temper the egg yolks slowly with warm eggnog to prevent curdling. Using leftover eggnog adds flavor while reducing waste. For holiday cream puffs that look as good as they taste, allow the puffs to cool completely before filling, and consider finishing with a dusting of nutmeg or a drizzle of eggnog glaze. These eggnog cream puffs are customizable, family-friendly, and perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter nights. Following these tips will ensure your eggnog cream filling recipe delivers rich, indulgent flavor and keeps the airy texture of the pastry intact.

💡 Expert Tips (makes about 12–14 cream puffs):

Ensure Choux Pastry Rises Perfectly
Measure 1 cup water, ½ cup unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 4 large eggs accurately.
Bring water, butter, and salt to a boil; add flour all at once and stir until smooth.
Beat in eggs one at a time until dough is glossy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and puffed.

Perfect Eggnog Pastry Cream
Heat 2 cups eggnog until warm.
Whisk 4 large egg yolks, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ cup cornstarch.
Temper yolks with warm eggnog, return to heat, cook until thickened.
Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.

Assemble with Care
Cut cooled puffs in half, fill with eggnog pastry cream, top with puff.
Optionally drizzle with 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2–3 tablespoons eggnog for a festive glaze.

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Eggnog cream puffs are a festive dessert that combines light, airy choux pastry with rich, spiced eggnog pastry cream. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy winter evenings, or special occasions, these holiday cream puffs are both family-friendly and customizable. Using leftover eggnog in the filling adds flavor while reducing waste, making this eggnog cream puffs recipe practical and indulgent. With a simple glaze or a dusting of nutmeg, these eggnog cream puffs are sure to impress and delight everyone at the table.

Eggnog Cream Puffs

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Light and airy cream puffs filled with a rich, spiced eggnog pastry cream. These festive treats are perfect for holiday parties or a cozy winter dessert. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of eggnog glaze, they capture the classic flavors of the season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (makes about 12–14 cream puffs):

For the Puffs (Choux Pastry):

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

For the Eggnog Pastry Cream Filling:

• 2 cups eggnog

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 4 large egg yolks

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)

For the Eggnog Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons eggnog

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Puffs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil.

3. Remove from heat, add flour all at once, and stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms.

4. Return to heat for 1–2 minutes to dry slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

5. Beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.

6. Pipe or spoon dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Turn off oven, crack door, and let puffs dry for 5–10 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make Eggnog Pastry Cream

1. In a medium saucepan, heat eggnog until warm but not boiling.

2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

3. Gradually pour warm eggnog into yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

4. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.

5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Cool completely, covering with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin.

Step 3: Assemble Cream Puffs

1. Cut cooled puffs in half horizontally.

2. Fill each puff generously with eggnog pastry cream.

3. Top with the puff top and optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with eggnog glaze.

4. Garnish with a pinch of nutmeg for a festive touch.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Cream can be prepared a day in advance; assemble just before serving.
• Mini Version: Pipe smaller puffs for bite-sized treats.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the pastry cream for an adult version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Holiday Treat
• Method: Baked / Filled
• Cuisine: American