Description
Master the art of pâte à choux! Our definitive cream puffs recipe teaches flawless pastry technique for perfect, airy choux with rich cream. Your guide to French patisserie.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and quickly add the entire cup of flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the hot dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5-7 minutes, until you can comfortably hold your hand against the bottom of the bowl.
- Using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Beat until the dough is smooth, thick, and glossy.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe or spoon 1.5-inch mounds of dough onto the sheet, leaving 2 inches between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and dry. Do not open the oven door for the first 15 minutes.
- Turn off the oven. Poke each puff with a knife to release steam. Leave in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Once the puffs are cool, slice them in half and fill with the whipped cream. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
A surprisingly simple recipe for light and airy cream puffs filled with billowy whipped cream. This impressive dessert is easier than you think to make from scratch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cream puffs
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 3 g