Indulge in the delicate and airy texture of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, a timeless dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make. With a golden-brown exterior and a luscious cream filling, these puffs are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to fancy dinner parties. Easy to prepare and impressively delicious, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household too!
Ingredients
For the Pâte à Choux (Dough):
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pâte à Choux
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil Water and Butter: In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add Flour: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add flour, sugar, and salt all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Incorporate Eggs: Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes. Then, one at a time, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Bake the Puffs
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer the 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, leaving space between each mound.
- 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 during baking to prevent them from collapsing.
- Cool: Remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
- Whip Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Fill the Puffs: Once the cream puffs are cool, use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the side of each puff or poke a hole in the bottom. Fill each puff with whipped cream using a piping bag or a spoon.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze (Optional)
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Glaze the Puffs: Dip the tops of the filled cream puffs into the melted chocolate or drizzle it over them. Allow the glaze to set.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the cream puffs on a platter, and watch as everyone enjoys these delightful treats. They’re perfect for special occasions or simply as a sweet indulgence!