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Delicious cream puffs filled with rich cream and topped with powdered sugar.

Cream Puffs

Delightful light and airy choux shells filled with a creamy vanilla filling, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 puffs
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the choux shells
  • 8 tablespoons 1 stick butter (unsalted preferred) Unsalted butter helps control salt.
  • 1 cup water (room temp)
  • 1 tsp vanilla (pure if possible)
  • 4 large eggs (room temp helps) Room-temp eggs incorporate better.
  • 1 cup flour (spooned, leveled)
For the filling
  • 1 pint heavy cream (cold) Cold cream whips quicker.
  • 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding (dry mix)
  • cup milk (for the pudding mix)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting) Fine sifted.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine the butter, water, and vanilla in a medium saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the flour all at once and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the dough thickens and forms a smooth ball.
  3. Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the batter is smooth and shiny.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart.
  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door early.
  4. Let them cool on a rack before slicing in half.
Filling
  1. Beat the heavy cream, instant pudding powder, and milk in a mixer until thick.
  2. Pipe or spoon the filling into each half of the cooled puffs.
  3. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Freeze built shells on a tray for later filling. If shells collapse, they were underbaked; return to oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.