Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs: A Classic Treat
These Cream Puffs are light, airy, and filled with a luscious vanilla cream. They’re perfect for parties or any special occasion. Learn how to make this classic treat with our easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
For the pastry:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For dusting:
- Additional powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next.
- Bake the Pastry: Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet, forming about 12 mounds. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until the cream forms stiff peaks.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs: Once the pastry shells are cool, use a serrated knife to gently cut the tops off each puff. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream into the bottoms of the pastry shells. Replace the tops.
- Dust and Serve: Just before serving, dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar. Serve immediately, or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.