Cream Puffs

Cream puffs are a classic dessert known for their delicate, airy pastry filled with rich, velvety cream. They are simple to make at home and taste just as indulgent as bakery versions. Perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or an elegant treat, this recipe will guide you through creating light, fluffy puffs filled with creamy goodness and dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a saucepan, combine butter, water, milk, salt, and sugar; heat on medium until it starts to bubble.
• Add the flour and stir until the dough forms a ball and is fully combined. Cook the dough against the sides of the pan for a few minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
• Beat the eggs separately, then gradually incorporate them into the dough while mixing on low speed.
• Reserve a few tablespoons of egg for an egg wash (mix with 2 teaspoons of water).
• Transfer the dough to a piping bag (or Ziploc bag with a corner cut) fitted with a Wilton 1A tip.
• Pipe 2-inch mounds of dough onto a baking sheet, 2-3 inches apart. Smooth any high crests with a wet finger and brush with egg wash.
• Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F without opening the oven. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
• Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag.
• Slice each puff horizontally and fill with whipped cream. Replace the top and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve cream puffs fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Store filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Unfilled puffs can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Fill them with cream just before serving if frozen.
• To maintain crispiness, avoid storing filled puffs at room temperature.

Variations

• Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add cocoa powder to the whipped cream or drizzle melted chocolate over the filled puffs.
• Fruit-Filled Cream Puffs: Mix fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, into the cream for a fruity twist.
• Flavored Cream: Add extracts like almond, lemon, or coffee to the cream for a gourmet touch.
• Mini Cream Puffs: Pipe smaller mounds for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or dessert platters.
• Pastry Cream Filling: Substitute whipped cream with classic custard or pastry cream for a richer filling.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze cream puffs? Unfilled puffs freeze well for up to 2 months; fill them after thawing.
3. Why did my cream puffs collapse? Overcrowding the pan or opening the oven too early can cause them to deflate.
4. Can I use low-fat milk? Whole milk is recommended for better texture, but low-fat milk can be used with slight adjustments.
5. How do I make the cream stiff enough? Ensure the cream is cold and whip until stiff peaks form.
6. Can I use flavored extracts? Yes, vanilla, almond, or lemon extracts can enhance the flavor.
7. How do I make the puffs extra crisp? Bake at high heat initially and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Can I make a sugar-free version? Substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative, though texture may vary slightly.
9. How long do cream puffs last? Filled cream puffs last 1-2 days refrigerated; unfilled up to 2 months frozen.
10. Can I add custard instead of whipped cream? Yes, pastry cream or custard works perfectly as a filling.

These cream puffs are a perfect combination of crisp pastry and smooth, creamy filling. They are simple to make, elegant, and irresistible. Serve them fresh for the best texture, and enjoy a classic dessert that impresses both in taste and presentation.

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