Cream Puffs Recipe

 Here’s a step-by-step recipe for making cream puffs from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat Ingredients:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a boil.

3. Add Flour:

   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

4. Cool Slightly:

   • Let the dough cool for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from getting too hot.

5. Add Eggs:

   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and shiny. You can use a mixer with a paddle attachment or mix by hand.

6. Pipe the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe small mounds of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.

8. Cool:

   • Remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Cream Filling:

1. Whip Cream:

   • In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

2. Fill Cream Puffs:

   • Once the cream puffs are completely cool, use a small knife or a pastry bag with a small round tip to poke a hole in the side or bottom of each puff. Pipe the whipped cream filling into the puffs.

   • Alternatively, you can cut the puffs in half and spoon the cream into the bottom half before placing the top half back on.

Optional:

3. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):

• For a finishing touch, you can dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving.

Enjoy your homemade cream puffs! They’re perfect for a light dessert or a special treat.