Introduction: Cream puffs are delicate, golden pastries that are light and airy, filled with a rich, smooth custard or whipped cream filling. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion and are surprisingly easy to make from scratch. With a crispy outer shell and a soft, creamy interior, cream puffs are a true classic that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 large eggs
For the Filling:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Chocolate or caramel drizzle (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once the butter is melted and the water is boiling, remove the pan from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should become smooth and glossy.
Using a pastry bag or spoon, pipe or scoop small mounds (about 1 to 1.5 inches) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are puffed and golden brown. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the puffs cool inside for 10 minutes.
While the cream puffs are cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Once the puffs are fully cooled, carefully cut them in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream into the center of each puff.
Optionally, drizzle with chocolate or caramel and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy!
Description:
These classic cream puffs are light, airy, and filled with a luscious, sweetened whipped cream. The combination of the crisp shell and soft, creamy filling makes for a perfect treat. They’re an excellent choice for desserts at parties, special events, or just as a delightful snack. These cream puffs are versatile and can be filled with different types of fillings such as custard or chocolate mousse if desired.
Tips:
Make sure to allow the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs; this prevents the eggs from scrambling.
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use two spoons to scoop and form the dough onto the baking sheet.
When baking, avoid opening the oven door early, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
For a crispy texture, leave the oven door slightly ajar for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Variations:
Custard Filling: Make a rich vanilla custard and pipe it into the cream puffs instead of whipped cream for a more decadent treat.
Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add melted chocolate to the whipped cream or fill the puffs with a chocolate mousse.
Fruit Filling: For a fruity twist, try filling the cream puffs with a mixture of whipped cream and fresh berries.
Glazed Cream Puffs: Top the filled puffs with a glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
Correction:
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, especially when adding the eggs to the choux pastry dough. If the dough feels too runny after adding the eggs, you may need to add a little extra flour, but this is rare.
Enjoy:
Sit back, relax, and indulge in these delightful cream puffs! Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, they’re sure to be a hit.