Description
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are delicate, airy pastry shells filled with a rich vanilla custard or sweet whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar. A timeless dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
- Add flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during baking. Let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once puffs are cool, slice them in half horizontally. Fill with whipped cream and replace the tops.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a custard filling, use vanilla pudding or homemade pastry cream.
- Puffs can be made in advance and filled just before serving.
- Store unfilled puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cream puffs, choux pastry, homemade dessert, whipped cream puffs, easy pastries