These cream puffs are filled with a light vanilla cream and encased in crisp, golden pâte à choux pastry. They’re elegant, nostalgic, and perfect for any occasion — from holidays to Sunday dessert!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cream puffs
Calories per Serving: ~210 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pastry (Pâte à Choux):
🧈 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
💧 1 cup water
🧂 1/4 tsp salt
🌾 1 cup all-purpose flour
🥚 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
🥛 2 cups heavy whipping cream
🍬 1/4 cup powdered sugar
🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract
✨ Optional: 1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix for stability
Topping:
❄️ Powdered sugar for dusting
🍫 Optional: chocolate ganache drizzle
👩🍳 Instructions
🔹 Make the Cream Puff Shells:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Boil Water & Butter:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
3️⃣ Add Flour:
Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.
4️⃣ Add Eggs:
Let cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time, stirring quickly until fully incorporated. Dough should be thick and glossy.
5️⃣ Scoop & Bake:
Drop by heaping tablespoons (or pipe) onto baking sheet, leaving space between. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
🔹 Make the Cream Filling:
6️⃣ Whip the Cream:
In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. (Optional: beat in dry pudding mix for extra structure.)
7️⃣ Fill the Puffs:
Cut the tops off the cooled puffs or slice in half. Fill with cream using a spoon or piping bag. Replace tops.
8️⃣ Finish & Serve:
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache. Chill for 30–60 minutes before serving (if you can wait!).
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥄 Crispy outside, cloud-like filling inside
- 🍦 Customizable with chocolate, fruit, or custard
- 🧁 Looks fancy, but surprisingly easy to make!
- 👩🍳 A timeless recipe that wins hearts every single time
💡 Helpful Tips
- Don’t open the oven while baking — the puffs may collapse!
- Use instant pudding in the cream for extra stability at warm temps.
- Freeze baked (unfilled) shells for up to 2 months — just thaw and fill!
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