Heavenly Cream Puffs Recipe

Indulge in the magic of my Heavenly Cream Puffs Recipe, a delightful sweet treat that's surprisingly easy to make! These light and airy puffs are perfect for impressing family and friends. With step-by-step guidance, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and fun filling variations, you'll be creating these delicious desserts in no time. Ready to embark on this tasty adventure? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game!

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Ingredients

1 cup water

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or additional vanilla extract)

Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Choux Pastry: In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 2 minutes).

Incorporate Eggs: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, thick, and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract after the last egg.

Shape the Puffs: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a pastry bag fitted with a round tip (or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off), pipe 1.5-inch circles on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing. Once they are golden, turn off the oven and leave them inside for an additional 10 minutes to dry out.

Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling: While the puffs cool, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together in a chilled mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip. Fold in the vanilla bean paste for added flavor and flecks of vanilla.

Assemble the Cream Puffs: Once the puffs are completely cool, carefully pierce the bottom of each puff or cut them in half horizontally. Fill with the whipped cream using a pastry bag or spoonful of the cream.

Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and drizzle it over the filled cream puffs for an elegant touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | Makes about 12 cream puffs

- Presentation Tips: Place the filled cream puffs on a decorative plate and dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also arrange them in a tiered display for special occasions!