Description
This classic French recipe for Easiest Cream Puffs features a light and airy choux pastry filled with sweetened whipped cream. Perfect as a delightful dessert or elegant treat, these cream puffs are simple to prepare and can be topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the choux pastry:
- 1/2 cup 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 topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cream puffs bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Make the choux pastry dough: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the pan sides. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. This step is crucial for the right texture and puffiness.
- Shape the puffs: Transfer the dough to a piping bag or use a spoon to drop heaping tablespoon-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion.
- Bake the choux shells: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent collapse. Once baked, remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the cream filling: While the puffs cool, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a sweet and light whipped cream filling.
- Fill the cream puffs: Slice each puff horizontally or make a small hole in the bottom. Fill with the whipped cream using a spoon or piping bag to generously fill the hollow centers.
- Add optional toppings and serve: Dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flavor and presentation before serving.
Notes
- Cream puffs can be baked in advance and stored air-tight for up to a day; fill just before serving to keep shells crispy.
- Alternative fillings like pastry cream or ice cream can be used for variation and different textures.
- Ensure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent cooking them prematurely.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to maintain puffiness and prevent collapse.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
