📝 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.