Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a timeless treat that combines a light, golden pastry shell with a luscious, creamy filling. These delightful puffs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday dessert, or just a sweet craving. With a delicate texture and rich, vanilla custard filling, these cream puffs will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

For the Puffs:

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Filling:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the Pastry Dough:
   In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the flour and salt. Stir continuously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball.
3. Add the Eggs:
   Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. One at a time, add the eggs to the dough, beating vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
4. Shape the Puffs:
   Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop or pipe spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake the Puffs:
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this could cause them to deflate.
6. Cool the Puffs:
   Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Make the Filling:
   In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
8. Fill the Puffs:
   Once the puffs are completely cool, slice them in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream filling into the bottom half of each puff, then place the top half back on.
9. Serve:
   Dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy!

Notes

• Storage: Cream puffs are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Make-Ahead: You can bake the puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill them with cream just before serving.
• Filling Variations: Try adding a bit of cocoa powder, chocolate chips, or flavored extracts to the filling for a fun twist.

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with their light, airy pastry and creamy filling. Simple yet elegant, they make any occasion feel special!