Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

If you’re in search of a timeless dessert that never fails to impress, look no further than Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs. These delightful treats feature light, airy pastry shells filled with a luscious cream filling that’s both rich and smooth. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence anytime, these cream puffs are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Let’s dive into how you can make these classic cream puffs at home!

Ingredients

For the Cream Puff Shells:

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

For the Cream Filling:

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

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Puff Shells

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the flour and salt until smooth and well combined.
4. Return the pan to the heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a ball and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
5. Transfer the dough to a large bowl and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
7. Using a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, drop or pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during baking.
9. Remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form and the cream is thickened.
3. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or a squeeze bottle.

Step 3: Fill the Cream Puffs

1. Once the cream puffs are completely cooled, use a serrated knife to cut off the tops or create a small hole in the side of each puff.
2. Pipe or spoon the cream filling into the hollow center of each puff, generously filling them with the creamy mixture.
3. Replace the tops of the cream puffs if you cut them off, or leave as is if you filled them through the side.

Tips and Variations

• Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
• Flavored Cream: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder or a teaspoon of fruit extract to the cream for different flavors.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cream puffs and the filling a day in advance. Store the shells in an airtight container at room temperature and the cream filling in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful and elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their light, airy shells and rich cream filling, these puffs are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

We’d love to see how your cream puffs turn out! Share your baking adventures in the comments or tag us on social media with your homemade cream puffs.