Classic Cream Puffs

📜 Collection: LOC | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic recipe for light and airy cream puffs made with a traditional pâte à choux dough. These hollow pastries are perfect for filling with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins55 minsNone12 to 14 cream puffs

🔪 Key Equipment

  • 3-quart saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1/2 CupButter1 Stick
1 CupBoiling WaterHot
1 CupFlourAll-purpose
4EggsUnbeaten

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pâte à Choux Dough

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Grease a baking sheet.
  2. In a saucepan, pour the 1 cup boiling water over the 1/2 cup butter and heat until the butter melts and the water returns to a boil.
  3. Add the 1 cup flour all at once. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over low heat until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat.
  4. Add the unbeaten 4 eggs, one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition until the dough is smooth. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and velvety.

Step 2: Bake and Fill

  1. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, or until well puffed and lightly browned.
  3. Reduce the heat to 300°F and bake for 30 to 40 minutes longer to thoroughly dry out the centers without further browning.
  4. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. When cold, cut off the tops with a sharp knife and fill with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream as desired.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Unfilled cream puffs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card