Indian paneer puffs
Baked Goods, Paneer Recipes, Recipes, Snacks

How to Make Perfect Indian Bakery-Style Paneer Puffs at Home

At Sandyathome, we often find joy in simple bakes – especially a warm, bakery style paneer puffs. Filled with creamy, spiced paneer and baked to golden perfection, these paneer puffs bring warmth and nostalgia to every tea-time.

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To make these bakery style paneer puffs, start by sautéing curd-marinated paneer with onions and spices until aromatic. Once it cools, wrap the filling inside buttery puff pastry sheets and bake until golden, crisp, and flaky.

We always love homemade paneer puffs for their flaky layers and flavorful centers. When baked fresh and served with a cup of chai or green chutney, they make evenings feel extra cozy.


I used thick curd in the marinade to keep the filling rich and avoid sogginess. Make sure to thaw the puff pastry sheets properly so you can fold and bake them evenly. Also, for this recipe I used AMUL paneer and tasted so yummy just like homemade paneer. AMUL paneer was recently launched in USA and I couldn’t resist to get my hands on it, so tried this recipe and it was devoured by all.

At Sandyathome, we cherish simple recipes like these because they turn ordinary tea-time into warm memories.
And if bakery treats like this are your favorite, don’t miss our Vegetable puffs too!

IngredientRole
PaneerUsed as the main filling; stays soft and absorbs all the marinade flavors beautifully.
Thick CurdUsed for marination; adds slight tanginess and creaminess without making the pastry soggy.
Red Chili Powder, Turmeric, Garam MasalaUsed to flavor the filling warmly and create a mildly spiced, bakery-style taste.
OnionsSautéed and used to add sweetness, crunch, and binding texture to the paneer filling.
Cumin SeedsTempered first; used to release earthy aromas into the filling.
Puff Pastry SheetsUsed as the flaky, buttery covering; bakes into crisp, golden layers around the filling.
MilkBrushed on top of puffs before baking; used to give a glossy, golden finish.
Oil or ButterUsed for sautéing paneer filling gently, locking in flavors without making it greasy.

How to Make Perfect Indian Bakery-Style Paneer Puffs at Home

Recipe by Sandhya Riyaz
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: Snacks, Tea-timeCuisine: Indian, Bakery StyleDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Baking time

25

minutes

Bakery-style paneer puffs recipe made easy at home! Crispy, flaky layers filled with spiced paneer – a perfect Indian tea-time or party snack.

Ingredients

  • 5 nos. Homemade puff pastry sheets (square shaped)

  • 2 tablespoon, Milk (for brushing)

  • Ingredients for filling
  • 1 cup Paneer (cut into small cubes)

  • 1 nos. Onion (small sized, roughly chopped)

  • ½ teaspoon, Ginger garlic paste

  • ¼ teaspoon, Turmeric powder

  • ½ to 1 teaspoon, Red chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon, Garam masala powder

  • ½ teaspoon, Coriander powder

  • 2 tablespoon, Curd (thick)

  • ¼ teaspoon, Cumin seeds / Jeera

  • Salt – to taste

  • 2 teaspoons, Oil

Directions to make paneer puffs

  • Prepare the Paneer Filling
    Paneer cubes are marinated with curd, salt, and spices. In oil, cumin seeds are tempered, followed by onions and ginger-garlic paste. Once the raw smell fades, the marinated paneer is added and sautéed for a minute only. The mixture is then cooled.
  • Assemble the Puffs
    Puff pastry sheets are placed on a tray. A spoonful of filling is added to the center of each sheet. Two opposite corners are brought together and sealed to form the classic puff shape.
  • Bake the Puffs
    The puffs are baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Once baked, they are served hot with chutney or chai.

Notes

  • A small pinch of sugar or kasuri methi in the filling can enhance the bakery-style flavor.
    If you’re curious about how Indian spices work together, this Indian spice guide is a great starting point for understanding flavors in simple snacks like these puffs.
    Always cool the filling before stuffing, and brush the top with milk for an even golden crust.

how to make paneer puffs with step by step images

  • Prepare the Paneer Filling
    Paneer cubes are marinated with curd, salt, and spices. In oil, cumin seeds are tempered, followed by onions and ginger-garlic paste. Once the raw smell fades, the marinated paneer is added and sautéed for a minute only. The mixture is then cooled.Paneer cubes marinated with curd and spices,
  • Assemble and Bake the Puffs
    Puff pastry sheets are placed on a tray. A spoonful of filling is added to the center of each sheet. Two opposite corners are brought together and sealed to form the classic puff shape. The puffs are baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Once baked, they are served hot with chutney or chai.
    Paneer filling placed on puff pastry sheet, Pastry sheet folded into a puff shape, Unbaked puffs arranged on baking tray,

Tips to Make Perfect Paneer Puffs

  • Thick curd must be used to avoid watery filling.
  • The paneer filling should be cooled completely before stuffing.
  • Puff pastry sheets must be thawed as per packet instructions.

Paneer puffs taste best when served hot and fresh, straight from the oven. They pair beautifully with:

  • Green chutney or tomato ketchup
  • A steaming cup of masala chai or filter coffee
  • Can also be served as part of an evening snack platter along with cutlets or sandwiches

For a bakery-style experience at home, a small sprig of curry leaves or sliced onions on the side adds a nice touch. At Sandyathome, these puffs are often served during cozy family tea-times or rainy evenings — simple and heartwarming.


Can I make paneer puffs ahead of time?

Yes. The filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Assembling and baking should be done fresh for best crispness.


Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thawed completely before use to avoid cracks or uneven baking.


How can I store leftover puffs?

Paneer puffs are best eaten fresh, but they can be reheated in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as they may turn soggy.


Can I use paneer without curd marinade?

Yes, but the curd marinade adds moisture and mild tang, just like bakery puffs. You can skip it for a drier filling if you prefer.


Can I freeze the baked puffs?

It’s not recommended, as texture may be lost. Instead, freeze the unbaked assembled puffs and bake fresh when needed.

Folded with Love, Baked with Memories

At Sandyathome, recipes like these paneer puffs remind us that comfort often lies in the simplest bites — golden layers, a warm filling, and a quiet cup of chai by the window. Whether made for loved ones or just for yourself, these puffs are a small joy, folded with care and baked with love.Folded with Love, Baked with Memories

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