Cream Puffs

Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that hold a special place in my heart. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making these for special occasions, filling the air with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries. The first bite is always a burst of light and airy goodness, filled with rich and fluffy cream. As I grew older, the tradition of making Cream Puffs became a cherished activity, inviting friends and family to gather around the kitchen. There’s something magical about watching the dough puff up in the oven, transforming into golden, delicate shells. It’s a pure joy to fill them with whipped cream and, if you like, a fresh raspberry for an extra touch of sweetness. The beauty of Cream Puffs lies not only in their taste but also in the memories created while making them.

Ingredient List for Cream Puffs

The ingredients for Cream Puffs are simple yet essential in creating that light and airy texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final product. The combination of flour, water, and eggs creates a choux pastry that puffs up beautifully in the oven. The heavy cream brings richness and decadence to the filling, while a hint of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.

• 1/2 cup water – This is the base of the dough, helping to create steam that puffs up the pastry.
• 1/2 cup whole milk – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter – Enhances the flavor and creates the tender texture we love.
• 1 tsp granulated sugar – A touch of sweetness that balances the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Essential for enhancing the overall taste.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, measured correctly – The key ingredient that provides structure.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature – These help the pastry rise and give it that airy texture.
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled – This is for the filling, creating a luscious and creamy center.
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream, making it irresistible.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the filling.
• 28 raspberries, optional – A delightful and fresh addition to your cream puffs.
• 1 Tbsp powdered sugar, to garnish – A light sprinkle adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Cooking Method for Cream Puffs

Making Cream Puffs is an enjoyable process that invites you to unleash your inner pastry chef. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll create puffs that not only look stunning but taste divine. Let’s dive into the cooking method!

1. Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with either a Silpat mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once using a wooden spoon. Mix until the dough starts to come together and forms a ball.
4. Return the saucepan to medium heat, stirring constantly for about 1 and a half to 2 minutes. This helps to cook the flour slightly and release excess moisture. You’ll know it’s ready when a thin film forms on the bottom of the pan.
5. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the dough for about 1 minute to cool it slightly.
6. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat for another minute until the mixture is smooth and forms a thick ribbon when lifted with a spoon.
7. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2 inch round tip. Pipe out 28 puffs, each around 1 and 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch tall. Space them at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
8. If the puffs have peaks, lightly wet your fingertips and smooth them down before baking to ensure they rise evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 325˚F and bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top.
10. Once baked, transfer the puffs to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 4 Tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy with stiff peaks, which should take about 2 minutes.
12. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip and fill the cooled puffs with the whipped cream. There are two methods: either pipe the cream into the sides of each puff or cut the tops off and fill them, adding a raspberry if desired before replacing the tops.
13. Dust the filled Cream Puffs with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Recipe Tips about Cream Puffs

Creating the perfect Cream Puffs can be a delightful adventure. Here are some tips to ensure that yours turn out perfectly every time.

• Storage: To store leftover cream puffs, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness, but note they are best eaten within a day or two.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfilled puffs for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before filling.
• Pairing: Cream Puffs pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or a cup of coffee for dessert. They also complement a tea party perfectly.
• Variations: Try experimenting with the filling! Chocolate mousse, lemon curd, or pastry cream can make delightful alternatives.
• Presentation: For an elegant touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or dust with cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar.

What Complements This Cream Puffs

When serving Cream Puffs, it’s essential to consider the overall experience. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Tea time: Serve Cream Puffs alongside a selection of teas for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Birthday celebrations: These pastries are perfect for birthday parties, adding a touch of sophistication to dessert tables.
• Picnics: Pack them for a picnic; just remember to keep them chilled and separate from other items to maintain their shape.
• Holiday gatherings: They are a hit at holiday parties, especially when filled with seasonal flavors like pumpkin or gingerbread.
• Serving size: Consider serving a few puffs on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Cream Puffs are a treasured recipe that brings joy and sweet satisfaction to any gathering. With their airy texture and delicious fillings, they hold a special place in the hearts of many. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you’ll not only enjoy the delicious end result but also the fun and memories made while preparing them in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of these lovely pastries, and make them your new favorite dessert!

Cream Puffs

The ultimate sweet treat, Cream Puffs are light, airy, and filled with luscious cream. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful pastries are sure to impress. Indulge in this easy recipe and bring a little sweetness to your day!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Desserts

Cuisine French

Servings 28 cream puffs

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk
• 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour measured correctly
• 4 Large Eggs room temperature
• 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream chilled
• 4 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 28 Raspberries optional
• 1 Tbsp Powdered Sugar to garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with either a Silpat mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup all-purpose flour all at once using a wooden spoon. Mix until the dough starts to come together and forms a ball.
• Return the saucepan to medium heat, stirring constantly for about 1 and a half to 2 minutes. This helps to cook the flour slightly and release excess moisture. You’ll know it’s ready when a thin film forms on the bottom of the pan.
• Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the dough for about 1 minute to cool it slightly.
• Add 4 large eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat for another minute until the mixture is smooth and forms a thick ribbon when lifted with a spoon.
• Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2 inch round tip. Pipe out 28 puffs, each around 1 and 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch tall. Space them at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
• If the puffs have peaks, lightly wet your fingertips and smooth them down before baking to ensure they rise evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 325˚F and bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top.
• Once baked, transfer the puffs to a wire rack to cool completely.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 4 Tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until fluffy with stiff peaks, which should take about 2 minutes.
• Fill a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip and fill the cooled puffs with the whipped cream. There are two methods: either pipe the cream into the sides of each puff or cut the tops off and fill them, adding a raspberry if desired before replacing the tops.
• Dust the filled Cream Puffs with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Tip 1: To store leftover cream puffs, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness, but note they are best eaten within a day or two.
• Tip 2: You can freeze unfilled puffs for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before filling.
• Tip 3: Cream Puffs pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or a cup of coffee for dessert. They also complement a tea party perfectly.
• Tip 4: Try experimenting with the filling! Chocolate mousse, lemon curd, or pastry cream can make delightful alternatives.
• Tip 5: For an elegant touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or dust with cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar.

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