Description
Light, airy, and irresistibly creamy—these homemade cream puffs are the perfect balance of crisp choux pastry and luscious whipped filling. Whether served as a classic dessert or dressed up with chocolate drizzle, they are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Choux Pastry:
- 180 grams water
- 90 grams butter
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of sugar
- 130 grams flour
- 3–4 eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 250 grams heavy cream
- 30 grams powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):
- 100 grams dark chocolate
- 50 grams heavy cream
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Make the Choux Pastry
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add flour, stirring quickly until the dough comes together.
- Return to low heat and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until a thin film forms on the bottom of the pan.
- Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly.
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Incorporate the Eggs
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the dough is smooth, glossy, and pipeable.
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Pipe and Bake
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed up. Do not open the oven door while baking.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
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Prepare the Filling
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer to a piping bag.
-
Fill the Puffs
- Slice each puff in half or poke a small hole in the bottom.
- Pipe in the whipped cream filling.
-
Optional: Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt dark chocolate and heavy cream together until smooth.
- Drizzle over the filled puffs for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Avoid deflating the puffs by ensuring the dough is cooked properly before adding eggs.
- For extra crispiness, return filled puffs to a low oven (150°C/300°F) for 5 minutes before serving.
- Storage: Store unfilled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Serving Suggestion: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired