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Square image of one finished Cream Puff.
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5 from 1 vote

Cream Puff Recipe

A tasty classic pastry this Cream Puff Recipe has minimal ingredients, is a perfect brunch or dessert recipe and is full of flavor. One treat you won't want to pass up.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Cooling:30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Servings: 12
Calories: 231kcal

Ingredients

Choux Pastry Dough:

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • teaspoons granulated sugar
  • teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 4 large eggs room temperature

Whipped Cream:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Topping:

  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, butter, sugar, and salt and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Add the flour to the boiling mixture and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the paste starts to look dry and no longer clings to the pan or spoon. About 2 to 3 minutes, do not overmix.
  • Transfer the choux pastry dough to a large bowl or stand mixer and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stirring every couple of minutes to help it cool down.
  • Using a paddle attachment or hand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time on medium-high speed until combined. Make sure the paste is completely smooth after mixing in each egg before adding the next. The choux pastry dough is ready when it sticks up without sagging on the end of a spoon.
  • Use choux pastry immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours (no longer).
  • Transfer the choux pastry dough to a pastry bag fitted with a Wilton 2A piping tip or similar and pipe onto the prepared baking sheet in mounds about 2-inches wide and 1-inch high, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Do not move the piping tip up as you pipe, just let the dough puff up around it. Sprinkle the mounds and the baking sheet with water, this helps the choux pastry dough to puff up while baking.
  • Bake on a lower rack for 10 minutes. REDUCE HEAT TO 350°F and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  • Transfer to a wire rack and poke a hole in the side of each puff with a cake tester, toothpick, or paring knife to release heat and prevent the insides from getting soggy while they cool.
  • To make the filling, add heavy cream and vanilla to a chilled mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until bubbles form. Slowly add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time and beat at medium-high speed until thick and creamy.
  • Add whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a large tip of your choice.
  • Slice the cream puffs in half top and bottom and pipe the cream onto the bottom and then place the top back on the whipped cream. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  1. Baked puffs can be stored in an airtight container after cooling for up to 1 day before adding whipped cream.
  2. You can easily double this recipe to make a large batch.
  3. To make Profiteroles, simply use a small piping tip for the choux pastry and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees (no baking at 400 degrees).
  4. You can also top these with chocolate if desired.
  5. These can be frozen, see my tips above.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 795IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg