These cream puffs have been a beloved family tradition for years, passed down from my mom to us. Light, airy pastry filled with a luscious cream filling, they’re perfect for any occasion or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The delicate crunch of the outer shell combined with the rich, velvety cream makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these cream puffs never fail to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache (optional):
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Make the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Return the saucepan to low heat, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture pulls away from the sides.
- Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
2. Pipe the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 1-2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking.
3. Prepare the Cream Filling:
- While the puffs are baking, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. Fill the Cream Puffs:
- Once the puffs are cool, use a small knife to cut a slit in the side of each puff. Fill each one with the whipped cream using a piping bag or a spoon.
5. Optional Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the ganache over the filled cream puffs or dip the tops in it.
6. Serve:
- Arrange the cream puffs on a platter, and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!
These cream puffs are sure to become a favorite in your household, just as they have in ours. Perfect for sharing or indulging in solo, each bite is a reminder of sweet moments spent together. Enjoy!
