Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Introduction

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful treat that have been a cherished family recipe for years. I still remember my mother pulling these golden pastries out of the oven, filling the house with the warm, buttery aroma that signaled something special was about to be served. Every bite of these airy puffs filled with her signature creamy filling was pure joy, and they quickly became a family favorite for every holiday and special occasion. Now, I’m thrilled to share this beloved recipe so you can bring the same joy to your own family.

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Why You’ll Love Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs
This recipe is a classic for a reason! Here’s why these cream puffs will become your go-to dessert:

1. Easy to Make: Despite their fancy appearance, these cream puffs are simple and require just a handful of basic ingredients.
2. Customizable: The filling can be adjusted to suit your taste—think chocolate, fruit, or even savory options.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: These elegant pastries are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
4. Perfectly Balanced: The light, airy choux pastry pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy filling.
5. Timeless Appeal: They’re a classic dessert that never goes out of style.

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Ingredients
For the Cream Puffs:

• 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup flour

For Mom’s Famous Filling:

• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding
• ⅓ cup milk

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Instructions

Make the Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the butter, water, and vanilla to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool slightly.
5. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and shiny.

Bake the Cream Puffs:
6. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door while baking to prevent deflation.
8. Remove from the oven and let the puffs cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Filling:
9. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and milk. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed until thick and fluffy, resembling whipped cream.

Assemble the Cream Puffs:
10. Slice each puff in half horizontally. Pipe or scoop the filling into the bottom half of each puff, then replace the top half.
11. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

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Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories Per Serving)

• Servings: Approximately 16 cream puffs
• Calories per serving: 160
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 90mg

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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How to Serve
Cream puffs are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Classic Style: Simply dust with powdered sugar and enjoy.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• As a Dessert Platter: Pair with other pastries like éclairs for a stunning presentation.
• Mini Cream Puff Tower: Stack them into a croquembouche for a show-stopping centerpiece.

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Additional Tips

1. Don’t Skip the Cooling: Allow the choux pastry to cool slightly before adding the eggs to avoid cooking them.
2. Use Cold Filling: Make sure the filling is chilled before assembling the cream puffs for the best texture.
3. Store Properly: Store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
4. Avoid Overmixing: When adding eggs to the dough, mix just until smooth to maintain the puff’s light texture.
5. Experiment with Fillings: Try chocolate mousse, lemon curd, or even savory options like herbed cream cheese.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
   Yes! You can bake the puffs a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container and fill them just before serving.
2. Why didn’t my cream puffs rise?
   Ensure you cooked the flour mixture thoroughly and added the eggs one at a time. Also, avoid opening the oven during baking.
3. Can I freeze cream puffs?
   Absolutely! Freeze unfilled cream puffs in a single layer, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and fill when ready to serve.
4. What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
   You can substitute with homemade pastry cream or simply use sweetened whipped cream.
5. Why are my cream puffs soggy?
   Make sure the puffs are completely cool before filling, and don’t store them for too long after filling.
6. Can I make smaller cream puffs?
   Yes, simply use a teaspoon to drop smaller portions of dough and reduce the baking time slightly.
7. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
8. What’s the best way to fill cream puffs?
   A piping bag with a large round tip makes filling easy and professional-looking.
9. Can I make a chocolate version of the filling?
   Absolutely! Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the filling mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
10. Do I have to use parchment paper?
    While parchment paper is recommended to prevent sticking, a silicone baking mat works as well.

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Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a timeless treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dessert table, a birthday celebration, or just because, they’re sure to impress. With their light, airy texture and creamy filling, these cream puffs are the perfect dessert to share and enjoy. Happy baking!

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