Light, airy pastries filled with rich, creamy custard or whipped cream, cream puffs are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed plain or drizzled with chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate glaze or melted chocolate
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Make the Choux Pastry:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring until the butter is melted.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add flour and salt all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Pipe the Dough:
- Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Pipe small mounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door while baking.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Fill the Cream Puffs:
- Once the cream puffs are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side of each puff or the top.
- Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream filling and pipe it into each puff through the slit until filled.
- Serve:
- Optionally, drizzle with chocolate glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!
Feel free to customize the filling or toppings to suit your taste!