Ah, cream puffs—light, delicate, and filled with sweet, velvety cream. Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a timeless treat that will make your taste buds dance. They’re the kind of dessert that takes you back to your childhood, with every bite filled with nostalgia and joy. These puffs have the perfect balance of crispy, golden pastry and rich, creamy filling, making them a favorite for every occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Here’s why this dessert is a must-try:

Irresistible Flavor: The fluffy pastry combined with the smooth and sweet cream filling creates a flavor combination that’s simply divine. Every bite feels like a bite of heaven!
Classic and Elegant: These cream puffs are a classic, but they have a touch of elegance that makes them perfect for any event.
Fun to Make: While they may sound fancy, making these cream puffs is surprisingly easy and a lot of fun. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for All Ages: Whether you’re serving them to kids or adults, these cream puffs are always a hit. There’s something about that delicate pastry and luscious filling that everyone can’t get enough of.

Ingredients for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

For the puff pastry:

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

For the cream filling:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (optional for extra richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil.
Once boiling, add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously. Continue cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should become smooth and glossy.
Once all the eggs are added, the dough should be thick but still soft.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Puffs

Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
Allow the puffs to cool on a wire rack. You can cut a small slit in each puff to help release any steam and keep them from getting soggy.

Step 4: Make the Cream Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
Add the vanilla extract and mascarpone cheese (if using), and whip until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cream Puffs

Once the puffs are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to slice them in half horizontally.
Pipe or spoon the cream filling onto the bottom half of each puff. Top with the other half of the puff to create a sandwich.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving. These cream puffs are best enjoyed right away, but you can store them in the fridge for a day or two.

Tips and Variations

Make Ahead: You can make the puffs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
Flavored Cream: Add a splash of liqueur like amaretto or Grand Marnier to the cream filling for a more sophisticated flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cream puffs for an extra layer of indulgence.
Mini Puffs: For a more bite-sized version, shape the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cream puffs
Calories per puff: 150-200 (depending on size and specific ingredients)

How to Serve Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

These cream puffs are perfect for any occasion, and they pair wonderfully with:

A Cup of Tea: These delicate puffs are fantastic with a hot cup of tea, making for a lovely afternoon treat.
At a Party: Serve these cream puffs on a dessert platter at a gathering or special event, and watch them disappear!
For Dessert: They make a light yet decadent dessert after a big meal, especially when paired with fresh berries or a fruit compote.

Storage and Freezing

Storage: Store any leftover filled cream puffs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best eaten fresh but can still be delicious the next day.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked, unfilled puffs for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and then fill them with cream just before serving.

Conclusion

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a perfect blend of light, crispy pastry and creamy, dreamy filling. Whether you’re looking to impress at a party or treat yourself to something special, these cream puffs are guaranteed to make you feel like a baking pro. They’re elegant, delicious, and just downright irresistible. So, go ahead and make these delightful treats—you won’t regret it!