Eggnog Cream Puffs

Save this recipe on:

These Eggnog Cream Puffs are an irresistible blend of crisp pastry shells and creamy, spiced eggnog filling. With their light, airy texture and rich custard-like center, they offer a seasonal twist on a classic French dessert that feels both elegant and nostalgic. Perfect for the holidays, they strike the balance between festive and indulgent, making them ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy winter night.

The eggnog cream is infused with nutmeg and a hint of vanilla, giving it that warm, comforting flavor we all associate with holiday gatherings. Paired with the delicate crunch of homemade choux pastry, each bite melts into a dreamy medley of textures and flavors. If you’ve never made cream puffs from scratch before, this recipe is a fantastic place to start.

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cream Puffs Recipe

These cream puffs are the epitome of holiday baking magic. They’re surprisingly easy to make yet look and taste like they came from a bakery. The filling alone is worth swooning over—it’s velvety smooth, not too sweet, and carries that signature eggnog flavor we wait all year for. These puffs are perfect for making ahead, storing in the fridge, and serving when guests arrive. They’re light enough to follow a hearty dinner and festive enough to be the star on a dessert tray.

What Kind of Pastry Should I Use?

For these Eggnog Cream Puffs, we use classic choux pastry (pâte à choux), which puffs up beautifully in the oven to form hollow centers perfect for filling. You don’t need any fancy tools or ingredients—just a saucepan, wooden spoon, and a bit of patience. Once baked and cooled, the shells become crisp yet tender, making the ideal vehicle for that luscious eggnog filling.

Ingredients for the Eggnog Cream Puffs

These cream puffs call for pantry-friendly staples and a few special touches to capture that holiday eggnog flavor. Each ingredient plays a specific role in bringing these festive treats to life.

Water: Helps form the dough and provides steam for puffing.

Butter: Adds richness to the pastry and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth bite.

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, giving the dough body and stability.

Eggs: The magic leavening agent in choux pastry—they provide rise, texture, and color.

Whole Milk: The base for the eggnog filling, lending creaminess and smoothness.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the eggnog flavor.

Cornstarch: Thickens the filling, creating that rich, spoonable consistency.

Nutmeg: The signature spice of eggnog—warm and aromatic.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds depth.

Whipped Cream: Lightens the custard, making it extra airy and luscious.

How To Make the Eggnog Cream Puffs

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter until the butter is fully melted. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Beat in the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and pipeable. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

Step 3: Pipe and Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Eggnog Filling

In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the custard cool, then fold in whipped cream until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Puffs

Slice the cooled pastry shells in half. Pipe or spoon the eggnog cream into the bottoms, then replace the tops. Dust with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.

Serving and Storing Eggnog Cream Puffs

These Eggnog Cream Puffs are best served chilled, letting the cream filling set slightly while keeping the pastry crisp. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert platters, or enjoying with a cozy mug of hot cocoa. One batch makes about 12 cream puffs, enough to serve 6 people generously.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best texture, fill the puffs shortly before serving. The shells can be made ahead and frozen, then crisped in the oven before filling.

What to Serve With Eggnog Cream Puffs?

Hot Chocolate or Spiced Coffee

These puffs are heavenly alongside a mug of rich hot cocoa or a cinnamon-dusted cappuccino.

Mulled Wine

For grown-up gatherings, a warm cup of mulled wine complements the nutmeg and vanilla notes beautifully.

Winter Fruit Salad

A bright and refreshing fruit salad with citrus and pomegranate adds balance to the rich filling.

Cheese and Nut Platter

Serve these puffs after a savory spread of sharp cheeses and roasted nuts for a sweet contrast.

Mini Pies or Tarts

Create a mini dessert sampler with other handheld treats like pecan tassies or fruit tarts.

Cranberry Sauce

A tart cranberry compote on the side adds a festive zing that cuts through the creaminess.

Sparkling Cider

Kids and adults alike will enjoy a fizzy, non-alcoholic pairing that still feels celebratory.

Gingerbread Cookies

Add to a holiday dessert tray filled with classics like gingerbread men or spiced shortbread.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you loved these Eggnog Cream Puffs, here are more festive desserts to try:

• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a warm, baked fruit classic.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons if you want something chewy and tropical.
• Ooey Gooey Bars for rich, indulgent bites.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for holiday spice in creamy form.
• Leftover Candy Shortbread Bars when you need a fun, no-fuss treat.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you top yours with powdered sugar or drizzle on white chocolate? Maybe you gave the filling a splash of bourbon for an extra festive twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: