Cream Puffs Recipe – European Special

Cream puffs are a quintessential European dessert, renowned for their delicate, airy texture and delightful sweetness. Crafted from pâte à choux—a versatile pastry dough made from butter, water, flour, and eggs—these puffs are baked to golden perfection. Once cooled, they’re filled with a generous amount of sweetened whipped cream, offering a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a light snack, a dessert at a festive gathering, or a special treat to share with loved ones, cream puffs bring a touch of elegance and indulgence to any occasion.

  • Prep Time50 min
  • Cook Time55 min
  • Perform Time1 hr
  • Total Time2 hr 45 min

For the Choux Pastry:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs

For the Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping (optional):

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Chocolate ganache or melted chocolate (optional)

Prepare the Choux Pastry:

1

Heat Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

2

Add Flour: Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.

3

Cool Slightly: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, allowing steam to escape.

Add Eggs:

4

Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy, with a thick consistency.

5

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pipe the Choux:

6

Pipe the Dough: Transfer the choux pastry to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 1.5 inches wide) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.

7

Smooth Tops: If desired, use a wet finger to smooth the tops of the puffs for a more even appearance.

Bake:

8

Bake the Puffs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking.

9

Cool: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the puffs to cool inside for 5-10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

10

Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

11

Fill the Puffs: Once the cream puffs are cool, use a small knife to cut a slit in the side of each puff or use a piping bag to fill them with the whipped cream.

Serve:

12

Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate, if desired.

13

Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Recipe Notes:

Pâte à Choux Tips: Ensure the dough is smooth and glossy before baking. Overmixing can lead to dense puffs.

Filling Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as pastry cream, chocolate mousse, or flavored whipped creams to add variety.

Storage: Unfilled puffs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill them just before serving to maintain their crispness.

Serving Suggestions: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.