French Nun’s Puffs

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Atsuko
French Nun’s Puffs Pets de Nonne masks
Author Profile Image

Atsuko

Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières

French Nun’s Puffs are a traditional French fried pastry made from choux pastry (pâte à choux). In French, they are known as Pets de Nonne. These delicate fritters have a lightly crisp exterior and an incredibly airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Despite being deep-fried, they are surprisingly light and never greasy. With their irresistible fluffiness, it’s hard to stop at just one! The recipe is simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients, making it easy to recreate this classic French treat at home.😊

Expense

💵

Preparation

25 mins

Baking time

15 mins

Rest time

Ingredients

Cooking time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:

20–25 pieces

  • 3 of Eggs
  • 50g of Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tablespoon of Vanilla Sugar or Sugar
  • A pinch of Salt
  • 250ml of Water
  • 125g of Flour
  • Powdered Sugar, as needed
  • Oil for frying, as needed
How to make it:

1/ Prepare the Choux Pastry: In a saucepan, combine 250ml of water, 50g of unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar or sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter is fully melted.

Butter salt vanilla sugar water

2/ Add the Flour: Once boiling, remove from heat and add 125g of flour all at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. Return to low heat and continue stirring for 2–3 minutes, until the dough forms a smooth ball and a thin film develops on the bottom of the pan.

Flour butter water salt vanilla sugar

3/ Let the Dough Cool: Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.

Dough

4/ Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. For the last egg, beat it first, then add it gradually, adjusting as needed. If the dough becomes too soft, it will be difficult to shape.

dough one egg
Dough second egg

Dough the third egg

5/ Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil to 170–180°C (340–355°F) in a deep pan for frying.

6/ Shape and Fry: Using two spoons, scoop small portions of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they puff up and turn golden brown.

Oil dough

Oil Pets de Nonne Nun’s Puffs

Nun’s Puffs Pets de Nonne

7/ Finishing Touch: Drain excess oil and generously dust with powdered sugar.

Nun's puff pets de nonne

⭐️Tips for Making Perfect French Nun’s Puffs⭐️ 

 ⭐️The Secret to Perfect Dough: Add Eggs Carefully: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. When you get to the last egg, add it little by little to find the right consistency. If the dough gets too soft, shaping will be tricky—so take it slow!

 ⭐️ Keep the Oil Temperature Just Right: For that perfect light and airy texture, keep the oil at 170–180°C (340–355°F) and fry gently. Want to check if the oil is ready? Just drop a tiny bit of dough in—if it floats to the surface within 10 seconds, you’re good to go!

⭐️Bring Back the Freshly Fried Magic: Leftovers? No problem! Skip the microwave (it makes them soggy) and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. This trick restores that irresistible crispness and makes them taste fresh again!

⭐️A Mardi Gras Favorite with a Playful Name: Did you know that French Nun’s Puffs are a classic treat for Mardi Gras? Their original French name, Pets de Nonne, literally means “Nun’s Farts”—yes, really! Some say the name comes from their light, airy texture. Whatever the story, one thing’s for sure: they’re deliciously addictive! Want to learn more about Mardi Gras traditions and this pastry’s history? Check out my blog! ”What Is Mardi Gras? 🎭A French Celebration of Fun and Food”

French Nun’s Puffs Pets de Nonne masks powder sugar

Umami Sans Frontières – Copyrights 2025
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Written byAtsuko

Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières

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