Marian'S Cream Puffs
Cream puffs with light, airy shells and a delicate, buttery flavor, perfect for dessert or teatime treats, appealing to those who love elegant, classic pastries.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in boiling water.
- Add flour and salt; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture forms a ball that doesn't separate.
- Remove from heat; cool slightly.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating vigorously after each egg is added.
- Drop from 2 teaspoons, 2 inches apart, onto greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 450° for 15 minutes, then at 325° for 25 minutes.
- When cool, cut in half.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh eggs at room temperature to achieve a better rise. If you don't have enriched flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, adding a teaspoon of baking powder for extra lift. Stir constantly when cooking the dough to prevent it from sticking and ensure an even texture. For a sweet twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture after adding the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
These cream puffs are delightful when filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, or ice cream. They pair beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Consider serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or alongside a savory dish like Etouffee for a unique meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marian'S Cream Puffs contains roughly 387 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1872mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the dough fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature until you're ready to bake. Avoid making it too far ahead as the texture may change.
What can I fill cream puffs with?
Cream puffs can be filled with various delicious options, including whipped cream, custard, pastry cream, or even savory fillings like cottage cheese dressing for a twist. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
Why did my cream puffs not rise?
If your cream puffs did not rise, it could be due to insufficient cooking of the dough before adding eggs or not enough steam created during baking. Ensure the dough forms a ball and always bake at the correct temperatures.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).