Cream puffs, or profiteroles, are a delightful pastry that combines light, airy choux dough with a rich cream filling, often topped with chocolate. These elegant treats are perfect for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence at home. Their versatility allows for endless flavor combinations, making them a favorite among pastry lovers. Let’s dive into the recipe and experience the joy of making these delicious bites!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for chocolate sauce)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 12 cream puffs. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cream puff) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Cholesterol: 45mg
– Sodium: 40mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 12g
– Sugars: 5g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional value is based on one cream puff.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter, and bring to a boil.
- Add flour and salt to the boiling mixture, stirring until combined.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe small mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool completely before filling.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fill each puff with whipped cream using a piping bag.
- Melt chocolate chips with milk to create a sauce and drizzle over filled puffs.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Additionally, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Serving and Pairings
Cream puffs are delightful on their own but can be served with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a side of chocolate sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for afternoon snacks.
Storage and Reheating
To store cream puffs, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be frozen for longer storage, but it’s best to freeze the unfilled puffs. To reheat, warm in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Cooking Mistakes
- Not allowing the dough to cool before adding eggs can lead to a runny mixture.
- Opening the oven door too soon can cause the puffs to collapse.
- Using too much flour will make the puffs dense.
- Not enough eggs can result in flat puffs.
- Overbaking can lead to dry puffs, so keep an eye on them.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Piping the dough evenly helps ensure uniform baking.
- Experiment with different fillings like custard or pastry cream.
- Use a food processor for quick dough preparation.
FAQs
Can I make cream puffs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry ahead of time and store it unfilled in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use for filling?
Common fillings include whipped cream, pastry cream, chocolate mousse, or ice cream. Get creative with flavors to suit your taste!
Why did my cream puffs not rise?
Insufficient moisture in the dough or opening the oven too soon can prevent your puffs from rising properly.
Can I freeze filled cream puffs?
It’s best to freeze unfilled puffs to maintain their texture. Fill them after thawing for the best results.
How do I prevent soggy cream puffs?
Ensure that the puffs are completely cool before filling, and avoid overfilling to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Conclusion
Cream puffs are a classic dessert that can bring joy to any occasion. Their light texture and versatility make them a beloved choice among dessert lovers. With this recipe, you can easily create these delightful treats at home, impressing family and friends alike. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Cream Puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips for topping
- 1 tablespoon milk for chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine water and butter, and bring to a boil.
- Add flour and salt to the boiling mixture, stirring until combined.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe small mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool completely before filling.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fill each puff with whipped cream using a piping bag.
- Melt chocolate chips with milk to create a sauce and drizzle over filled puffs.
