Indulge in the delightful taste of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs—a cherished family recipe that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. These light, airy pastries filled with luscious cream are perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. With a delicate shell and a rich filling, each bite melts in your mouth, making it impossible to have just one. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them asking for the secret behind your baking prowess.
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze (optional):
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture starts to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball. Return to heat and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it dries slightly and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let it 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.
2. Pipe the Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
3. Make the Cream Filling:
- While the puffs are baking, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Once the puffs are cool, use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the side or bottom of each puff. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and gently squeeze the cream into each puff until filled.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Dip the tops of each cream puff into the chocolate glaze or drizzle it over them for a finishing touch.
5. Serve:
- Arrange the cream puffs on a platter. Enjoy them fresh, or refrigerate until ready to serve. These delightful treats are sure to bring smiles and compliments!