Easy Homemade Cream Puffs Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Puffs:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or melted chocolate for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil.
3. Once the butter is fully melted and the mixture is boiling, reduce heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during baking.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
9. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10. Slice each puff in half and fill with whipped cream, or pipe filling into the center.
11. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs

• Make sure the dough is slightly cooled before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
• Bake until deeply golden to prevent collapsing.
• Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator and serve within 24 hours for best texture.