Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Ingredients

For the Cream Puff Dough:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Prepare the Cream Puff Dough:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove from heat.
3. Stir in the flour all at once, mixing vigorously until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Return the pan to the heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the dough dries out slightly and forms a film on the bottom of the pan.
4. Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Shape and Bake:

1. Using a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, drop or pipe rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
3. Turn off the oven and let the cream puffs cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 10 minutes. This helps them dry out and prevents collapse.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cream Puffs:

1. Once the cream puffs are completely cool, slice them in half horizontally.
2. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream filling into the bottom half of each cream puff. Replace the top half of the cream puff.

Prepare the Chocolate Glaze (optional):

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter.
2. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth.
3. Drizzle or dip the tops of the cream puffs in the chocolate glaze.

Serve:

1. Serve the cream puffs immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Enjoy!

• These light, airy, and delicious cream puffs are sure to be a hit with everyone. Perfect for a special treat or gathering!