Cream Puff Recipe

Cream puffs are a delightful dessert that combines light, airy pastry with a creamy, decadent filling. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat, mastering the art of making cream puffs will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delicious pastries at home.

Ingredients:

• For the Choux Pastry:
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• For the Cream Filling:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Boil the Water and Butter: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add Flour: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1 minute.
4. Cool the Dough: Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and shiny. The dough should be thick, smooth, and hold its shape.
6. Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or simply cut the corner of a plastic bag). Pipe mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until puffed, golden brown, and dry. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the pastries to collapse.
8. Cool: Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Making the Cream Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
2. Fill the Puffs: Once the pastry shells are completely cool, carefully cut the tops off each puff using a serrated knife. Fill each puff generously with the whipped cream using a spoon or a piping bag.
3. Replace the Tops: Replace the tops of the cream puffs.
4. Optional Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decorative touch.

Serving Suggestions:

Cream puffs are best served fresh, but they can be refrigerated for a few hours before serving. Enjoy them as a delightful dessert alongside coffee or tea, or as an elegant finish to a special meal.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure the water and butter mixture comes to a full boil before adding the flour.
• Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation into the dough.
• Pipe the choux pastry into evenly sized mounds for uniform cream puffs.
• Allow the cream puffs to cool completely before filling to prevent the cream from melting.

Mastering the art of making cream puffs at home is a rewarding experience that will leave you with a batch of light, airy pastries filled with creamy goodness. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy creating and savoring these delightful treats!