Cream Puffs

YaYa’s Cream Puffs

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This timeless cream puff recipe creates crisp, hollow shells perfect for filling with your favorite pudding or cream. With just a few pantry staples and simple steps, these puffs come together in under 30 minutes for an elegant yet easy dessert.

Meal Type: Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cream puffs, choux pastry, homemade dessert, pudding dessert, southern recipes, easy cream puffs

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 Cream Puffs

Calories 125

Ingredients

• ½ stick margarine
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 whole eggs
• Your favorite pudding or cream for filling

Instructions

• In a saucepan, melt the margarine with the salt and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
• Add the flour all at once and stir quickly until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
• Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes or until puffed and golden.
• Let cool, cut open, and fill with pudding or cream of choice.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Yaya’s Tips for Success

These sweet little clouds puff up beautifully if you don’t rush the process. Be sure to measure everything exactly and resist the urge to open the oven while they’re baking. Once baked, they should be golden, crisp on the outside, and hollow in the middle; just right for a creamy filling.

• Make sure the margarine and water come to a full boil before adding flour.
• Stir vigorously after adding the flour so the dough forms a smooth ball.
• Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling them.
• Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure even-sized puffs.
• You can pipe them for a more uniform shape, but the rustic look is just as charming.
• Dust with powdered sugar after filling for a beautiful finish.

Yaya’s Customization Ideas

These cream puffs are delicious filled with just about anything.

• My mama loved using vanilla pudding, but I’ve played around with all sorts of fillings over the years, especially lemon and chocolate.
• For a touch of summer, try a whipped lemon cream.
• If you’re serving for a special occasion, drizzle with chocolate ganache or fill with ice cream and freeze them for a little French flair.

You might also enjoy my Double Chocolate Pound Cake or Brown Sugar Wafers for more dessert options to round out your sweet tooth cravings.

Yaya’s Original Recipe Card