Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful classic that epitomize the art of elegant, homemade baking. These charming treats feature a light, airy pastry shell that’s crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The pastry is delicately puffed and golden brown, creating the perfect vessel for a luscious cream filling.
The magic of these cream puffs lies in their delicate balance of textures. The shell, made from a simple choux pastry dough, is crisp and airy, a result of the careful technique used to bake it to perfection. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft, hollow interior, ideal for holding the rich cream filling.
The filling itself is a silky, sweetened whipped cream that is both light and decadently creamy. Whipped to a perfect consistency, it provides a delightful contrast to the crisp pastry. This creamy filling is generously piped into each puff, offering a burst of smooth, vanilla-flavored indulgence with every bite.
For an extra touch of sweetness and sophistication, the cream puffs can be drizzled with a light glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. This optional glaze adds a glossy finish and an additional layer of sweetness, making each cream puff even more irresistible.
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of classic pastry techniques and a testament to the joy of homemade treats. Perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a delightful indulgence, these cream puffs offer a taste of nostalgia and a touch of elegance in every bite. Whether served as a sweet finish to a meal or enjoyed with a cup of tea, they are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone who tastes them.
Ingredients:
For the Cream Puff Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.
- Add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop or pipe tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the puffs cool with the door slightly ajar for about 10 minutes to allow them to dry out and become crisp. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cream puffs are completely cooled, cut each puff in half horizontally. Fill the bottom half of each puff with a generous dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half back on.
- Optional Glaze:
- For a sweet finish, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cream puffs for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.
Tips:
- Pastry Consistency: Ensure the dough is smooth and glossy before adding eggs. This helps achieve the light, airy texture of the puffs.
- Cooling: Let the puffs cool completely before filling to prevent the whipped cream from melting or the puffs from becoming soggy.
- Whipping Cream: Make sure the heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping for best results.
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that combines a crisp, airy pastry with a light and creamy filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for special occasions or as a decadent dessert, these cream puffs are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
