Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs Recipe
Discover how to make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs with light pastry, creamy filling, and easy baking tips for perfect desserts.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Dusting:
- Additional powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
- Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
- Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake the Pastry:
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Prick each puff with a knife to release steam if desired.
3. Make the Cream Filling:
- Whip heavy cream with an electric mixer until slightly thickened.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Slice tops off cooled pastry shells with a serrated knife.
- Spoon or pipe whipped cream into the bottom halves generously.
- Replace tops and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially butter and eggs.
- Make sure the dough is slightly cooled before adding eggs to prevent them from cooking.
- Spacing the puffs properly on the baking sheet is essential—they will expand significantly while baking.