Here’s a delightful recipe for Famous Cream Puffs, a classic pastry filled with rich cream and topped with chocolate glaze or powdered sugar:
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the butter melts.
- Add flour and salt, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Remove from heat.
- Incorporate the Eggs:
- Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Pipe the Choux
- Pipe the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 1-inch rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door while baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling
- Make the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Fill the Cream Puffs
- Fill the Puffs:
- Once the choux puffs are completely cool, cut them in half or use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side.
- Pipe or spoon the whipped cream filling into each puff. Replace the tops.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze (Optional)
- Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter together over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the filled cream puffs or dip the tops in the chocolate.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
These Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the light and airy pastry filled with sweet whipped cream and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze.