These light and airy homemade cream puffs are filled with a rich vanilla whipped cream, making them the perfect dessert for any celebration or afternoon treat. With a crisp golden shell and a smooth, creamy center, they’re surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Cream Puff Pastry
- ½ cup milk
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter has completely melted and the mixture just begins to simmer.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Pour in the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Dough
Continue cooking the dough for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This helps remove excess moisture and creates a better texture.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes smooth, shiny, and pipeable.
Step 6: Shape the Cream Puffs
Pipe or spoon evenly sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
Step 7: Apply the Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and water until smooth, then gently brush the tops of each dough mound for a beautiful golden finish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cream puffs are well-risen and deep golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door while baking, as this can cause the pastries to collapse.
Step 9: Cool
Remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Filling
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble
Slice each cooled cream puff in half. Fill the bottom half generously with whipped cream, then place the top back on. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs
- Let the dough cool slightly before adding the eggs to prevent them from cooking.
- Bake until the shells are fully golden to ensure they stay crisp.
- Cool completely before filling to keep the whipped cream from melting.
- Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
These homemade cream puffs are delicate, creamy, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you’re craving a classic French-inspired dessert.