So Easy Cream Puffs
Light and airy cream puffs with crisp shells and creamy filling, perfect for elegant desserts or teatime treats suitable for all ages and celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening in boiling water and bring to a boil.
- Add flour and salt all at once, stir, and remove from heat.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until smooth.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls for large puffs or teaspoonfuls for small puffs onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake until lightly brown.
- Cool the puffs. Slice off 1/4 from the top of each puff.
- Fill with cream filling of choice.
- Replace the tops and sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate if filled with chocolate cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the flour and salt. This helps to create steam, which will puff the pastry. If you want a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter. For a twist, consider filling the puffs with a cream filling inspired by Chocaroon Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cream puffs as a delightful dessert at a gathering or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. They pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun variation, try serving them with a chocolate cream filling and drizzling chocolate on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of So Easy Cream Puffs contains roughly 176 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg per serving (26% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. However, it's best to bake the puffs fresh for optimal texture. If you refrigerate, allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking.
What can I use to fill the cream puffs?
You can fill cream puffs with a variety of fillings such as whipped cream, pastry cream, or even ice cream. For a unique twist, try a lemon curd or a filling inspired by Breakfast Apple Squares for added flavor.
Why did my cream puffs not rise?
If your cream puffs didn't rise, it could be due to insufficient steam during baking. Make sure the water is boiling before adding the flour. Also, ensure you beat the eggs well, as they are crucial for creating the air pockets that help the puffs rise.
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).