Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a delightful and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. These light and airy pastries are filled with a creamy vanilla custard and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether served as a treat for a special occasion or enjoyed as a sweet snack any time of the day, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are guaranteed to be a hit. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Cream Puffs:

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

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

For the Cream Puffs:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once the mixture is boiling, add the flour all at once and 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 the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream puffs are puffed and golden brown.
8. Remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow in color.
3. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
5. Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled.

Assembly:

1. Once the cream puffs have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut each one in half horizontally.
2. Spoon or pipe the chilled vanilla custard filling into the bottom half of each cream puff.
3. Place the top half of each cream puff over the filling.
4. Dust the cream puffs with powdered sugar just before serving.
5. Serve Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• Be sure to use room temperature eggs for the cream puff dough to ensure proper incorporation.
• Do not open the oven door while the cream puffs are baking, as this can cause them to collapse.
• You can customize the filling by adding a hint of lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a timeless and beloved dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their delicate pastry shells, creamy vanilla custard filling, and dusting of powdered sugar, these cream puffs are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether served at a party, family gathering, or enjoyed as a special treat at home, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them.