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Let me share one of my favorite desserts that always makes people's eyes light up cream puffs! Every time I make these little clouds of happiness filled with fresh whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar everyone thinks I spent hours in the kitchen. They remind me of those fancy French pastry shops but trust me they're totally doable at home. I love serving these whether I'm hosting book club or need something special for a celebration.
Why You'll Fall in Love with These
The magic of these cream puffs is in their perfectly crispy outside and that heavenly hollow center just waiting to be filled with cream. What I love most is how versatile they are sometimes I drizzle them with chocolate sometimes I keep them classic with just powdered sugar. Once you master this recipe you'll be amazed at all the ways you can make them your own.
Everything You'll Need
- Water: 1 cup simple but so important for creating that perfect puff.
- Butter: ½ cup unsalted please we want to control the salt.
- Salt: Just ¼ teaspoon it makes all the flavors pop.
- Flour: 1 cup all-purpose is perfect here nothing fancy needed.
- Eggs: 4 large ones at room temp this is super important.
- Whipped Cream: We're making our own with heavy cream powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Egg Wash: 1 yolk mixed with a splash of milk for that gorgeous shine.
- Powdered Sugar: For that pretty dusting on top.
Let's Make Some Magic
- First Let's Make Our Pastry
- Get your biggest saucepan and bring your water butter and salt to a boil. Once it's bubbling add all your flour at once and stir like crazy until it forms this smooth ball. Take it off the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Now for the Eggs
- Here's where patience pays off add those eggs one at a time mixing really well after each one. You'll know it's ready when your dough is shiny and holds its shape.
- Time to Shape and Bake
- Drop spoonfuls onto your greased baking sheets. I use a ¼ cup measure to keep them even. Give them plenty of space to grow brush with egg wash and into a 400°F oven for 30-35 minutes until they're golden brown.
- Whip Up That Cream
- While they're cooling make your whipped cream. I love using my stand mixer for this just beat until you get soft peaks. Pop it in a piping bag if you're feeling fancy.
- The Fun Part
- Once they're cool cut them in half take out any soft dough inside then fill them with generous swirls of cream. Pop the tops back on and dust with powdered sugar they look like they came from a bakery!
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes I drizzle mine with warm chocolate or caramel sauce. Other times I'll flavor the whipped cream with different extracts or even fill them with pastry cream. You can make them tiny for parties or bigger for a state fair style treat just watch the baking time.
Keeping Them Fresh
Here's a pro tip if you're planning ahead you can make the shells early and store them in the fridge for a few days or even freeze them. Just don't fill them until you're ready to serve that way they stay perfectly crispy. When you're ready to use them just thaw them out and they'll be good as fresh.
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My Best Tips for Perfect Puffs
The secret to puffs that don't deflate? Bake them until they're really golden brown and immediately cut little slits in them to let the steam escape. Don't worry if you don't have fancy piping bags I've used zip-top bags with the corner snipped off plenty of times works like a charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why did my cream puffs collapse?
Make sure to cut a slit in each puff right after baking to let steam escape, and remove the soft dough inside.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, make the shells ahead and store unfilled. Add whipped cream just before serving.
- → Why do the eggs need to be room temperature?
Room temperature eggs blend better into the dough and help create proper puff structure.
- → Can I freeze cream puffs?
Yes, freeze unfilled shells for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.
- → How do I know when they're done baking?
They should be golden brown and feel light when lifted. Don't underbake or they'll collapse.