Here’s a classic “Grandma’s Cream Puffs” recipe—light, airy pastries filled with sweet cream, just like homemade from scratch 🥐🍦
🥐 Grandma’s Cream Puffs
🧾 Ingredients (makes ~12 puffs)
For the choux pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the cream filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the choux pastry
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat until butter melts and mixture boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Return to low heat, stirring 1–2 minutes to dry slightly.
- Transfer dough to a bowl to cool 5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
2. Bake the puffs
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet (about 2 inches apart).
- Bake 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the cream filling
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
4. Fill the puffs
- Slice the cooled puffs in half horizontally or poke a hole in the bottom.
- Pipe or spoon cream into each puff.
5. Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate if desired.
💡 Tips
- Puff success: Do not open the oven during baking; the steam helps them rise.
- Cream variations: Use pastry cream or custard for a richer filling.
- Make ahead: Bake puffs ahead and fill just before serving to keep them crisp.
🍽️ Variations
- Chocolate cream puffs: Fold cocoa powder into the whipped cream.
- Fruit-filled: Add fresh berries inside with the cream.
- Mini puffs: Perfect for bite-sized desserts at parties.
If you want, I can give a shortcut 30-minute version using store-bought pastry shells that still tastes like homemade Grandma’s cream puffs 🍦✨.
Do you want me to do that?
