cream puffs

Cream puffs are such a classic! Light, airy pastry shells filled with sweet cream — perfect for any occasion. Here’s a straightforward Cream Puffs Recipe:

🥮 Classic Cream Puffs

Ingredients (Choux Pastry Shells)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

Cream Filling (Whipped Cream or Pastry Cream)

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

(Or use classic custard-style pastry cream if you prefer.)

Instructions

1. Make choux pastry

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

   • In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.

   • Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the pan (1–2 minutes).

   • Remove from heat. Let cool 5 minutes.

   • Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy. Dough should be thick but pipeable.

2. Pipe & bake shells

   • Transfer dough to a piping bag (or use spoons) and pipe 2-inch mounds onto baking sheet, spacing apart.

   • Bake 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden.

   • Turn oven down to 350°F (175°C) and bake another 5 minutes to dry out centers.

   • Cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Make filling

   • Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

4. Assemble

   • Slice puffs in half, or poke a small hole and pipe cream inside.

   • Dust tops with powdered sugar.

✨ Variations:

• Dip tops in melted chocolate for chocolate cream puffs.

• Fill with custard or pudding instead of whipped cream.

• Make mini bite-sized versions for parties.

Would you like me to also share the pastry cream filling recipe (like bakery-style cream puffs) instead of just whipped cream?