MOM’S FAMOUS CREAM PUFFS

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil the Butter and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
3. Add Flour and Salt: Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from heat and add the flour and salt all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Bake the Cream Puffs

1. Pipe the Dough: Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a plastic bag with the corner cut off). Pipe small mounds (about 2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause them to collapse.
3. Cool: Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Fill the Cream Puffs

1. Prepare for Filling: Once the cream puffs are completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the side of each puff or use a piping bag to fill them directly.
2. Fill with Cream: Carefully fill each cream puff with the whipped cream using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or a spoon. Ensure they are filled generously.

Step 5: Serve

1. Dust and Garnish: If desired, dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over them for added indulgence.
2. Enjoy: Serve the cream puffs immediately, or refrigerate them for later enjoyment. They are best served fresh but can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days.

Tips for the Perfect Cream Puffs

• Do Not Open the Oven Door: Opening the oven door while baking can cause the puffs to collapse. Wait until they are fully baked before checking.
• Cool Completely: Ensure the cream puffs are completely cool before filling them to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add flavorings to the whipped cream, such as cocoa powder, coffee, or fruit puree, to create unique variations.

Conclusion

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that brings joy to every gathering. With their light and fluffy texture, rich filling, and versatility, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a sweet indulgence, these cream puffs are bound to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner pastry chef, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cream puffs!