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How to Make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry (Shells)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted.
- Once the butter has melted, add the flour and salt all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together and forms a dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool slightly for a minute. Then, one at a time, add the eggs, stirring vigorously after each addition. The dough will look lumpy at first, but keep stirring until it becomes smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the dough to a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the dough into small mounds (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter) on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and crisp. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the puffs to deflate.
- Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Cream Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can turn the cream into butter.
- Once the cream is whipped to perfection, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
Step 3: Assemble the Cream Puffs
- Once the cream puffs have cooled completely, use a small serrated knife to carefully cut a slit in the side of each puff.
- Fill the pastry with the whipped cream filling, either by piping it into the center or spooning it in. Be generous with the filling for that perfect, creamy bite!
- If desired, dust the filled cream puffs with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with chocolate sauce or ganache.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Puffs
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time for the Dough: After adding the eggs, let the dough rest for a minute or two before piping it. This will ensure a smooth texture and help the puffs rise evenly.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Choux pastry is sensitive to oven temperature. If your oven is too hot or too cold, the puffs may not rise properly. A steady 400°F is ideal.
- Make Ahead: You can make the pastry shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill them with cream right before serving to keep them fresh.
- Variations: While the classic whipped cream filling is a family favorite, you can also fill these cream puffs with custard, pastry cream, or chocolate mousse for a different twist.
Why You’ll Love Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
- Deliciously Light and Flaky: The choux pastry is light and airy, creating the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.
- Customizable Filling: You can fill these cream puffs with anything from vanilla whipped cream to rich custard, making them versatile for any occasion.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a birthday, or simply enjoying a treat after dinner, these cream puffs are the perfect dessert to impress your guests.
- Timeless Family Tradition: These cream puffs carry with them memories and love, making each bite special and comforting.
Conclusion
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are the epitome of timeless comfort food—light, fluffy, and filled with sweet, creamy goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cream puffs are surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress everyone who tries them. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, these little treats have become a family favorite for a reason.
So why not create your own sweet memories with Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs? Once you make them, you’ll see why they’ve been passed down for generations—and why they’re guaranteed to become a staple in your own kitchen for years to come!
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