Light, Airy Breakfast Puffs Finished with a Dusting of Sweet Sugar
Crisp on the outside and wonderfully light on the inside, Breakfast Puffs are a delightful cross between cream puffs and fritters. Made from a cooked batter enriched with eggs and brightened with fresh lemon peel and nutmeg, these golden puffs are fried until airy and finished with a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar. They make a memorable breakfast treat, brunch centerpiece, or holiday morning indulgence.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe celebrates the joy of homemade breakfast pastries that are simple enough for family weekends yet special enough for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil for frying
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup Crisco Oil
- 1½ teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 3 eggs
- Confectioners sugar
Makes: 32 puffs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 2 to 3 inches of Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil to 365°F in a deep fryer or deep saucepan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, water, Crisco Oil, and grated lemon peel. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the flour mixture all at once. Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Let the dough cool slightly. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Drop measured tablespoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying 3 or 4 puffs at a time for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn several times during frying.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle generously with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs to ensure a smooth, fluffy batter.
- Fry only a few puffs at a time to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Turn the puffs frequently so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar while still warm for the best finish.
- Serve with fresh berries, fruit preserves, or whipped cream for a beautiful brunch presentation.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions through cherished family recipes, regional specialties, and food memories contributed by families across the United States. The cookbook celebrates the powerful role that food plays in bringing generations together while honoring Black history, heritage, and community.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a treasured collection of heritage recipes, family favorites, and regional dishes that celebrate African American cooking traditions and the joy of gathering around the table.
