Cream Sticks That Melt in Your Mouth

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Cream sticks are a delightful pastry treat that combine the lightness of bread with the indulgence of a creamy filling. Soft, airy, and slightly sweet, they are designed to melt in your mouth with every bite. These pastries are often enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or festive addition to gatherings. Making them at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the filling to your taste—whether it’s classic vanilla cream, chocolate, or fruit-flavored custard. The recipe is approachable, yet the results are bakery-worthy, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 egg

For the cream filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Melted chocolate drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  2. Knead and rise: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the sticks: Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangular stick shape. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  4. Second rise: Cover and let the shaped sticks rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the sticks for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool.
  6. Prepare cream filling: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  7. Fill the sticks: Once cooled, slice each stick lengthwise and pipe in the cream filling.
  8. Finish and serve: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve fresh.

Notes

  • Texture tip: Kneading well and allowing proper rise ensures the sticks are soft and fluffy.
  • Flavor variations: Try chocolate cream, coffee cream, or fruit-flavored custards for variety.
  • Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Serving ideas: Pair with tea, coffee, or serve as a festive dessert platter.

Cream sticks are a nostalgic pastry that bring together the best of bread-making and dessert crafting. Their appeal lies in the contrast between the soft, fluffy dough and the rich, creamy filling. Unlike heavy cakes or dense pastries, cream sticks are light and airy, making them perfect for those who enjoy indulgence without excess.

The dough is the foundation of this recipe. Made with flour, yeast, milk, butter, and egg, it resembles a sweet bread dough that bakes into golden, pillowy sticks. The kneading process is essential, as it develops gluten and ensures elasticity. Allowing the dough to rise properly is equally important, as it creates the airy texture that makes cream sticks melt in your mouth.

Shaping the dough into sticks gives them their signature look. Each piece is rolled into a neat rectangle, then baked until golden brown. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen, setting the stage for the indulgent filling that follows.

The cream filling is where the magic happens. Whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla creates a light, luscious filling that contrasts beautifully with the bread-like exterior. The filling can be piped into the sticks once they have cooled, ensuring a delightful surprise with every bite. For those who enjoy variety, the filling can be customized—chocolate cream for richness, coffee cream for sophistication, or fruit-flavored custards for a refreshing twist.

Presentation elevates cream sticks from simple pastries to elegant desserts. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of refinement, while a drizzle of melted chocolate makes them visually appealing and extra indulgent. Served on a platter, they become the centerpiece of any gathering, drawing guests in with their inviting appearance.

Beyond their taste, cream sticks carry a sense of tradition and comfort. They are reminiscent of bakery treats enjoyed during childhood, yet making them at home adds a personal touch. The process of kneading, shaping, baking, and filling connects the baker to the craft, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cream sticks are versatile in their use. They can be served as a snack with tea or coffee, offered as a dessert at parties, or even gifted in decorative boxes. Their individual portions make them convenient and appealing, while their soft texture ensures they are enjoyed by all ages.

From a practical perspective, cream sticks are best enjoyed fresh, as the filling and bread maintain their optimal texture. However, they can be refrigerated for short periods, making them suitable for advance preparation.

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