Are your holiday desserts falling flat? Feeling uninspired by the same old cookie platters and fruitcakes? As the heart behind FoodyDish, I know that holiday baking should be nothing short of magical! Eggnog cream puffs transform ordinary gatherings into memorable celebrations with their light, airy shells and rich, spiced filling that perfectly captures the essence of the season.
After perfecting dozens of holiday dessert recipes over the years, I’ve discovered that these eggnog cream puffs consistently earn the most “wows” at holiday parties. In this guide, I’ll share my five magical tricks for creating these showstoppers, from achieving the perfect puff to creating the creamiest eggnog filling. You’ll also find expert tips on make-ahead options, decorating ideas, and festive variations that will make your holiday dessert table truly special.
Why These Eggnog Cream Puffs Work
● Quick to prepare despite their elegant appearance
● Light pastry contrasts beautifully with rich eggnog filling
● Versatile recipe allows for endless flavor combinations
● Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday entertaining
● Impressive presentation with minimal decorating skills required
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Eggnog Cream Puffs
Best Quality Components for Cream Puffs
For truly exceptional eggnog cream puffs, quality matters. Use fresh, large eggs at room temperature for maximum volume in your choux pastry. European-style butter with higher fat content creates a richer flavor and better texture in both the pastry and filling.
Eggnog Selection
Store-bought eggnog works perfectly, but choose premium brands with real dairy and authentic spices. For a homemade touch, make your own eggnog with fresh nutmeg and high-quality vanilla. The thickness of your eggnog will affect the stability of your filling, so choose a variety with substantial body.
Substitutions
Lactose-sensitive guests? Coconut cream can replace heavy cream in the filling for a tropical twist. Non-alcoholic eggnog works beautifully, or try chai concentrate for a spiced alternative that maintains the festive flavor profile.
Ingredients & Prep for Eggnog Cream Puffs
Choux Pastry Essentials
- Water
- Butter (unsalted)
- All-purpose flour (sifted)
- Eggs (room temperature)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar for slight sweetness
Eggnog Filling Components
- Heavy whipping cream
- Quality eggnog
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Nutmeg (freshly grated)
- Optional: cinnamon or rum extract
Finishing Touches
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- Festive sprinkles
- Gold or silver edible dust
Step-by-Step Eggnog Cream Puff Instructions
Pre-Baking Eggnog Cream Puff Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Measure all ingredients precisely choux pastry requires exact proportions.
- Bring water and butter to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes before adding eggs.
Baking Perfect Eggnog Cream Puffs
- Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each.
- Smooth any peaks with a damp fingertip for even rising.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let puffs dry for 10 minutes.
Eggnog Filling Creation
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add eggnog, powdered sugar, and spices.
- Continue whipping until firm peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
- Refrigerate filling until ready to use.
Assembling Eggnog Cream Puffs
- Once completely cooled, slice puffs horizontally or create a small hole in the bottom.
- Pipe generous amounts of eggnog filling into each puff.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
- Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Pro Tips for Perfect Eggnog Cream Puffs
Avoiding Collapsed Eggnog Cream Puffs
- Never open the oven during the first 20 minutes of baking
- Create a small vent in each puff after baking to release steam
- Cool completely on a wire rack before filling
- Fill cream puffs close to serving time to maintain crispness
Tool Recommendations
- Digital kitchen scale for precise measurements
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment for incorporating eggs
- Piping bags with various tips for both pastry and filling
Storage & Make-Ahead Options
- Bake shells up to 2 days ahead and store in airtight container
- Freeze unfilled shells for up to 1 month
- Prepare filling up to 24 hours in advance
- Assemble no more than 2 hours before serving for optimal texture
Looking for more holiday dessert inspiration? Check out my Pinterest for stunning visual guides to festive baking!
Flavor Variations for Eggnog Cream Puffs
Chocolate Eggnog Fusion
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to your choux pastry for a chocolate shell, then fill with traditional eggnog cream for an elegant contrast.
Spice Enhancements
Incorporate cardamom, star anise, or cloves into your eggnog filling for a more complex flavor profile that elevates the traditional nutmeg notes.
Citrus Brightness
Add orange or lemon zest to either the pastry or filling to cut through the richness with bright, vibrant notes that complement the warm spices.
| Variation | Shell Modification | Filling Twist | Topping Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gingerbread | Add 1 tsp ginger, ¼ tsp cloves | Molasses swirl | Crystallized ginger bits |
| Peppermint | Standard choux | Add crushed candy canes | Chocolate drizzle |
| Maple Pecan | Add chopped pecans | Maple syrup addition | Candied pecans |
| Cranberry | Standard choux | Fold in cranberry compote | White chocolate drizzle |
| Chai Spice | Add cardamom & ginger | Chai tea infusion | Cinnamon sugar |
Serving Suggestions for Eggnog Cream Puffs
Create a stunning holiday dessert tower by arranging cream puffs in a conical shape, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble snow. Serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate for casual gatherings.
For elegant holiday dinners, place three mini eggnog cream puffs on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Pair with dessert wines like Sauternes or Ice Wine, whose sweetness complements the rich, spiced notes of the eggnog filling. For non-alcoholic options, spiced apple cider or chai tea make excellent companions.
FAQs About Eggnog Cream Puffs
Can I make eggnog cream puffs ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the shells up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. The filling can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated. For best results, assemble no more than 2 hours before serving.
Why did my cream puffs deflate?
Deflated puffs usually result from undercooked pastry or opening the oven too soon. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the door during the first 20 minutes of baking. Creating a small vent in each puff after baking helps release steam and prevents collapse.
Can I freeze eggnog cream puffs?
The unfilled shells freeze beautifully for up to a month. The eggnog filling, however, doesn’t freeze well due to its dairy content. For best results, freeze only the shells and prepare the filling fresh.
How do I keep cream puffs crisp after filling?
The moisture from the filling will eventually soften the shells it’s inevitable! To delay this, fill the puffs as close to serving time as possible. If you must fill them in advance, store in the refrigerator in a single layer, uncovered if possible, to help maintain some crispness.
Conclusion
Eggnog cream puffs embody everything I love about holiday baking—they’re impressive yet approachable, traditional yet unique, and absolutely delicious. These delicate pastries filled with rich, spiced eggnog cream bring that special something to holiday gatherings that store-bought desserts simply can’t match.
Remember that perfecting choux pastry takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t picture-perfect. The magic of these treats is in the experience of creating and sharing them with loved ones.
I’d love to see your creations! Tag @foodydish on social media with your eggnog cream puff pictures, and join the thousands of home bakers who’ve made these a new holiday tradition.
Print
Eggnog Cream Puffs: 5 Magical Holiday Dessert Tricks
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 cream puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, airy cream puffs filled with a luscious eggnog pastry cream a festive twist on the classic French dessert, perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
For the Eggnog Pastry Cream:
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup eggnog
2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Assembly:
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in flour all at once until the dough pulls away from the sides.
4. Return to heat and stir for 1–2 minutes to dry out slightly.
5. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until smooth and glossy.
7. Pipe or spoon small mounds of dough onto the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
9.
10. For the filling, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
11. Heat milk, eggnog, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves until steaming.
12. Slowly pour into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
13. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
14. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and cool completely.
15. Cut cooled puffs in half and fill with the eggnog cream.
16. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Unfilled shells can be frozen and re-crisped in the oven.
For extra holiday flair, drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle nutmeg on top.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream puff
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: eggnog cream puffs, holiday dessert, profiteroles, christmas pastry, choux pastry