Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat.
• Versatile recipe – customize the filling to your liking.
• Surprisingly simple to make with a few pantry staples.
• Light, airy texture with a decadent creamy center.
• A classic dessert that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cream Puffs:

• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add flour, stirring vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent them from collapsing.
7. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before filling.

To fill the cream puffs: slice them in half or use a piping bag to insert your favorite cream filling into the centers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 12 cream puffs.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Cream Filling: Add cocoa powder to your cream mixture for a rich chocolate filling.
• Fruit-Infused Cream: Fold in fruit purées or fresh berries into the cream for a fruity twist.
• Savory Cream Puffs: Omit sugar in the filling and use savory ingredients like herbed cream cheese or smoked salmon spread.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Filled cream puffs should be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To refresh unfilled cream puffs, bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid reheating filled cream puffs to maintain the texture of the filling.

FAQs

1. Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shells in advance and store them unfilled. Fill them just before serving for the best results.

2. Can I freeze cream puffs?

Yes, freeze unfilled cream puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.

3. What’s the best filling for cream puffs?

Classic options include whipped cream, pastry cream, or custard. You can also experiment with flavored creams or savory fillings.

4. Why did my cream puffs deflate?

This can happen if the dough wasn’t cooked long enough or if you opened the oven door during baking.

5. Can I use store-bought filling?

Absolutely! Pre-made whipped cream or custard can save time and still taste delicious.

6. How do I make the shells extra crispy?

Bake them for a few extra minutes, then let them cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

7. What’s the difference between cream puffs and profiteroles?

Both use choux pastry, but profiteroles are often filled with ice cream and served with chocolate sauce.

8. Can I make mini cream puffs?

Yes, use a smaller piping tip or spoon to create bite-sized portions and adjust baking time accordingly.

9. How do I know when cream puffs are done?

They should be golden brown, feel light, and sound hollow when tapped.

10. Can I add flavor to the dough?

While traditionally plain, you can add a touch of sugar or vanilla extract for a subtle flavor boost.

Conclusion

These famous cream puffs are a timeless dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make yet elegant enough to serve for any occasion. Whether you fill them with classic whipped cream or experiment with creative variations, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious results!

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