Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

 

---

Cream puffs are a delightful treat that can bring joy to any celebration. Light, airy, and filled with rich vanilla cream, these little puffs are a staple in many households. Today, we will explore Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, a recipe that has been cherished by families for years. With their tender pastry and creamy filling, you will find they are impossible to resist!

Why you’ll love this recipe

There are many reasons why you will love this recipe for cream puffs. First, they are very easy to make, even for beginners. The ingredients are simple and easy to find. Second, the combination of the light pastry and the velvety cream makes for a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. Whether for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, these cream puffs will be the star of any gathering.

How to prepare Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Making cream puffs may sound complicated, but the steps are quite straightforward. With a little patience and practice, you will be able to make perfect cream puffs every time. Below, we will walk you through the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step instructions to create these lovely treats.

Ingredients:

To make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the pastry:

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

• For the filling:

  • 2 cups of heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

Here are the step-by-step instructions to prepare the perfect cream puffs:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it is hot enough to bake the cream puffs properly.

2. Prepare the pastry: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.

3. Add flour and salt: Once the water is boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately stir in the flour and salt using a wooden spoon. Mix until a dough forms and it pulls away from the sides of the pan.

4. Add eggs: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You should aim for a smooth and glossy dough.

5. Shape the puffs: Use a piping bag or a spoon to drop small mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each puff as they will expand while baking.

6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cream puffs are golden brown. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes, as this can cause them to collapse.

7. Cool: Once baked, remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

8. Prepare the filling: While the cream puffs are cooling, you can prepare the vanilla cream filling. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

9. Fill the cream puffs: Once the cream puffs are cool, use a knife to create a small hole in the bottom of each puff. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream filling and carefully pipe the cream into each puff until they feel full.

10. Serve and enjoy: Your delicious cream puffs are ready to be served! You can dust them with extra powdered sugar or even drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top if you like.

How to serve Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

These cream puffs are best served fresh, right after filling them with cream. Arrange them on a beautiful platter for a stunning display. You can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. If you want to impress your guests, consider creating a filled cream puff tower for a decorative centerpiece!

How to store Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

If you have leftover cream puffs, you should store them properly to keep them fresh. Unfilled pastry shells can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, once you fill them with cream, they should be refrigerated. Place the filled cream puffs in a single layer in an airtight container. They should be eaten within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Preparation tips for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Here are some simple tips to ensure your cream puffs turn out perfectly every time:

1. Measure materials accurately: When making pastries, it is important to measure your ingredients accurately. This helps achieve the right texture.

2. Don’t skip cooling time: Make sure to cool the dough slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely.

3. Don’t open the oven: To ensure that your puffs rise properly, avoid opening the oven door until they are close to being done.

4. Use a piping bag: A piping bag makes it much easier to fill the cream puffs without making a mess.

5. Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts or flavorings to the cream for a twist on the classic recipe.

Variation

If you want to spice things up a bit, you can add variations to the cream filling. Some ideas include:

• Chocolate cream: Simply add cocoa powder to the whipped cream along with some extra sugar to create a rich chocolate filling.

• Fruit flavor: Add fresh fruit puree or zest from citrus fruits like lemon or orange for a refreshing twist in the cream.

• Nutty flavor: Adding crushed nuts or nut extracts such as almond or hazelnut can give your cream puffs another layer of flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about making cream puffs:

1. Can I freeze cream puffs?
   Yes, you can freeze unfilled cream puffs. Make sure to cool them completely and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature and fill with cream before serving.

2. Why did my cream puffs collapse?
   Cream puffs can collapse if the oven door is opened too early while baking or if the mixture was not cooked long enough. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully and avoid opening the oven door until they are close to being done.

3. How do I know when my cream puffs are done?
   Your cream puffs are done when they are golden brown and have risen nicely. The inside should be light and airy. You can also gently tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are ready!

4. Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pastry shells a day in advance and fill them with cream just before serving. This helps maintain their crisp texture.

5. What happens if I overmix the dough?
   Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough pastry rather than the light, airy puffs you want. Be sure to mix just until smooth.

---

With this guide, you are now ready to create Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs in your own kitchen. Enjoy the process, share them with loved ones, and relish the compliments you will receive! Happy baking!