Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful treat wrapped in sweet memories! These cream puffs stand out with their light, airy pastry and decadently creamy filling, making them a favorite for gatherings, celebrations, or just a special treat at home. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate, they’re sure to capture hearts.
Mom’s famous cream puffs are more than just delicious; they’re a wonderful way to make any moment special. Whether enjoyed with a dusting of sugar or a drizzle of chocolate, they promise a taste of nostalgia and pure joy. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 4 eggs
For Mom’s Famous Filling:
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
- ⅓ cup milk
Instructions:
Preparing the Pastry:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Base: In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and vanilla to a boil. Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about a minute.
- Cool the Dough: Remove the dough from heat and let it cool for a few minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when they are added.
- Add Eggs: Beat the eggs into the dough one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should become smooth and glossy.
- Shape the Puffs: Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion. Aim for 8 large puffs.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden and puffed up.
Pro Tips for Baking:
- Prevent Deflation: Once baked, you can poke each puff with a toothpick to release steam. Return them to the turned-off oven, crack the door open, and let them cool down slowly. This helps them maintain their puffiness.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, instant vanilla pudding, and milk.
- Beat Until Thick: Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients until the mixture is thick and holds stiff peaks. This will be your cream filling.
Assembling the Cream Puffs:
- Let Puffs Cool: Ensure the puffs are completely cooled before filling to prevent the cream from melting.
- Fill the Puffs: Slice each puff in half horizontally. Pipe or scoop the thick cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff, then gently place the top half back on.
- Final Touches: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving:
- Serve the cream puffs immediately after assembling, or chill them for a bit if you prefer them cold.
