- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil.
- Add flour all at once, stirring quickly until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Bake the Cream Puffs
- Spoon or pipe golf-ball-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let them cool inside for 10 minutes to prevent deflating.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Fill the Cream Puffs
- Slice the puffs in half and pipe or spoon the cream inside.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decadence.
Serving and Storage Tips
🍮 Best served fresh for ultimate crispiness!
🍮 Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
🍮 Freeze unfilled cream puffs for up to 3 months—just thaw and fill before serving.
Variants
- Chocolate Cream Puffs – Fill with chocolate whipped cream or ganache.
- Lemon Cream Puffs – Use lemon curd mixed with whipped cream.
- Caramel Drizzle – Top with salted caramel sauce.
- Strawberry Shortcake Puffs – Add fresh strawberries inside.
FAQ
1. Why did my cream puffs deflate?
They need full baking time—don’t open the oven too soon!
2. Can I use instant pudding for the filling?
Yes! Mix vanilla pudding with whipped cream for a shortcut.
3. How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake at a higher temp (425°F/220°C) for the first 10 minutes, then lower it.
4. Can I make mini cream puffs?
Yes! Just reduce the baking time to 15–18 minutes.
5. Can I make savory cream puffs?
Absolutely! Fill with herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon, or chicken salad.
Final Thoughts
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are light, airy, and filled with creamy perfection—a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With just a few ingredients, you can create this bakery-quality treat at home!
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