These light and airy cream puffs are filled with rich vanilla pastry cream and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate. A classic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easier than it looks!
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux):
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Directions:
1. Make the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, then add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
- Let cool 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- Drop by heaping tablespoons (or pipe with a pastry bag) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Filling:
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in milk, then cook over medium heat until thickened.
- In a bowl, beat egg yolks. Slowly whisk in some of the hot milk mixture to temper, then return all to the pan. Cook 2–3 minutes more.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.
- Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill until ready to use.
3. Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Slice puffs in half horizontally.
- Spoon or pipe the chilled cream filling into the bottom half, then place the top half back on.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 cream puffs
Calories: ~250 per puff
These Famous Cream Puffs are elegant, indulgent, and totally worth it—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special!