The BEST Cream Puffs Recipe

If you've never made cream puffs before, you're in for a treat. These delicate pastries have a crisp shell and a soft, airy center filled with sweet cream. Despite their fancy look, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.

What Are Cream Puffs?

Cream puffs are made from choux pastry (pronounced "shoo"), a dough that puffs up in the oven to create a hollow center. Once cooled, they’re filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, or custard, and sometimes topped with chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Choux Pastry:

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

For the Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Cream Puffs

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add the flour all at once and stir until the dough forms a ball.
  3. Let it cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth.

Step 2: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Spoon or pipe small mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.
  4. Let cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Make the Cream Filling

  1. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  2. Slice the puffs in half and fill with the whipped cream.

Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs

  • Don’t open the oven while baking—they need the heat to puff up.
  • Make sure the dough isn’t too hot when adding eggs, or they’ll scramble.
  • Use a piping bag for cleaner, more uniform puffs.

Optional Toppings

  • Dust with powdered sugar
  • Drizzle with melted chocolate
  • Add a spoonful of jam or lemon curd inside for extra flavor

Why This Recipe Works

This cream puff recipe keeps it simple, using ingredients you already have. The result? Golden shells and a rich, creamy filling that taste just like a bakery classic.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these cream puffs are a crowd-pleaser. Light, sweet, and endlessly customizable, they’re bound to become a favorite in your dessert lineup.

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Preppy Kitchen

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Sarah Thompson

Sarah sees cooking as a source of creativity and fun. Although she likes to keep things simple, she’s always looking for ways to add a special twist to every dish. She loves discovering new culinary techniques and adapting them to her personal style, making every meal a memorable experience.

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