Best Homemade Cream Puffs

Best Homemade Cream Puffs

Indulge in the light and airy delight of these homemade Cream Puffs! These delicate pastry puffs are filled with a creamy vanilla filling, creating a heavenly treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack, dessert, or as part of an elegant afternoon tea, these cream puffs are sure to impress. Follow the simple steps below to create this delightful pastry!

Ingredients

For the Pastry Puffs

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
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For the Vanilla Cream Filling

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

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, combine the unsalted butter, water, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a boil.

3.Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.

4.Return the saucepan to low heat and cook the dough, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to slightly dry it out.

5.Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.

6.Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and glossy.

7.Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8.Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry puffs are golden brown and puffed up.

9.Remove from the oven and let the pastry puffs cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Vanilla Cream Filling

1.In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

2.In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.

3.Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture.

4.Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.

5.Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

6.Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely.

7.Once the custard is cooled, fold in the whipped heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

To Assemble

1.Cut the cooled pastry puffs in half horizontally.

2.Spoon or pipe the vanilla cream filling into the bottom halves of the pastry puffs.

3.Place the top halves of the pastry puffs over the filling.

4.Dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar, if desired.

5.Serve and enjoy these heavenly Cream Puffs as a delightful treat!