Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs 😋😍

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Ingredients

For the Puffs (Choux Pastry):

1 cup water

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large egg yolks

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

Powdered sugar for dusting

Melted chocolate or whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat.

Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.

Drop spoonfuls of dough (or pipe using a pastry bag) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard Filling

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just simmering.

In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.

Cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface) and refrigerate until fully cooled.

Step 3: Assemble the Cream Puffs

Slice the cooled puffs in half horizontally.

Spoon or pipe the vanilla custard filling into the bottom half of each puff.

Replace the tops of the puffs.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Dust the tops with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flair.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Baking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutesKcal: Approximately 180 kcal per cream puff | Servings: 12