Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful treat that is sure to impress – homemade cream puffs! These light and airy pastries filled with luscious cream are a classic dessert that never fails to delight. Perfect for afternoon tea, a special celebration, or simply a cozy night in, cream puffs are easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe and create some heavenly puffs of joy!
Cream Puffs
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 eggs
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough. Continue stirring for another 1-2 minutes to cook the dough slightly.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
7. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet into small mounds, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cream puffs are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this may cause them to deflate.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cream puffs cool completely on a wire rack.
10. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
11. Slice the cooled cream puffs in half horizontally and fill each puff with a generous dollop of the whipped cream.
12. Replace the top of the cream puff and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
13. Serve and enjoy your homemade cream puffs!
These delicate and delicious cream puffs are a delightful addition to any gathering or a cozy night at home. Customize them by drizzling chocolate sauce over the top, adding fresh fruit, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you for the delightful treat. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and savor the joy of homemade cream puffs!
