Name: Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Additional powdered sugar, for dusting

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If you’re searching for a recipe that effortlessly impresses, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs absolutely steal the show. With their golden, crisp shells hugging a cloud of sweet vanilla whipped cream, these delicate pastries epitomize homemade magic. Every bite is a treat—light, airy, and ethereally creamy, just the way mom used to make them for special gatherings. Whether you’re new to choux pastry or a seasoned baker, this beloved recipe delivers dessert bliss time and again.

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the gorgeous result—Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs start with just a handful of simple, pantry staples. Each ingredient plays its own role: from creating the perfect puff to achieving that dreamy, not-too-sweet filling. Here’s what you’ll need for that bakery-quality magic:

Water: The base for the choux pastry, providing moisture and steam to help the puffs rise beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough and ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure—don’t skip sifting for extra lightness!
Salt: Just a touch elevates every other flavor—don’t underestimate its importance here.
Large Eggs: The secret to glossy dough and perfect puff, making the shells airy inside.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Use it well chilled to whip into luscious, cloud-like filling.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream just right and gives a pretty snowy dusting at the end.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the filling—pure comfort in every bite.
Extra Powdered Sugar, for dusting: The finishing flourish makes these cream puffs irresistible and picture-perfect.

How to Make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the puffs bake evenly and release easily. Setting up your workspace ahead of time makes the process smooth, so have all your ingredients measured and ready to go.

Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and butter, bringing them to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to melt the butter completely. Once boiling, add the flour and salt all at once. Grab a wooden spoon and stir vigorously—the mixture will come together quickly into a thick mass, pulling away from the sides and forming a smooth ball. Lower the heat and keep stirring for another minute to cook off any excess moisture, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. This is key so the eggs don’t scramble in the next step!

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Don’t rush—this is where magic happens! The dough will look a little odd or separated at first but soon transforms to glossy and smooth as you mix. The right consistency is thick but pipeable: it should slowly fall off the spoon in a ribbon.

Step 4: Pipe or Spoon Onto Baking Sheet

Spoon or pipe rounded mounds of dough, about 2 tablespoons each, onto your prepared baking sheet—space them at least 2 inches apart so they can puff up without sticking together. If you want perfectly round puffs, a piping bag with a big plain tip works wonders, but a trusty spoon gets the job done, too. A damp finger can smooth rough tops if needed.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your sheet to the hot oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Resist the urge to peek—opening the oven too soon can cause the puffs to collapse. When ready, they’ll be golden, tall, and feel hollow when tapped. Remove them to a wire rack and let them cool completely before filling. This step is essential for ultimate crispness!

Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Filling

While the shells cool, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for best results. Pour in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then beat until stiff peaks form—light but sturdy enough to hold its own between the pastries. Just like that, you have the dreamy filling that sets Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs apart.

Step 7: Fill and Finish Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Use a serrated knife to slice each puff in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe a generous swirl of whipped cream onto the bottom half, then replace the top like a little pastry hat. A final snow-shower of powdered sugar is the crowning touch. These are best enjoyed right away—gather everyone for the first bite!

How to Serve Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Garnishes

A classic dusting of powdered sugar never fails, but don’t be shy with a drizzle of dark chocolate or a scattering of fresh berries for an extra pop of color and flavor. Lemon zest or edible flowers also bring a whimsical, special-occasion touch to Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs.

Side Dishes

Keep things elegant and light with a platter of fresh fruit—think strawberries, kiwi slices, or raspberries. For celebrations, a flute of sparkling wine is delightful with these puffs. If you love contrasting temperatures, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for a cool, creamy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack puffs in a towering pyramid for a showstopping centerpiece, arrange on a vintage cake stand, or tuck a few into party favor boxes for guests to take home. For special occasions, tint the whipped cream with a hint of food coloring or flavor with citrus zest—your version of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs can truly shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftovers, store filled cream puffs in the refrigerator in a single layer, covered lightly with plastic wrap. They’ll hold their texture for a day, though best enjoyed the same day for ultimate crispness.

Freezing

The unfilled shells freeze beautifully! Place them in a sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and crisp in a moderate oven for a few minutes before filling. Avoid freezing filled cream puffs, as whipped cream can separate.

Reheating

For freshly revived shells, pop them into a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes. This restores that crisp bite before you add your filling. Let cool completely before slicing and adding cream to maintain the perfect structure.

FAQs

Can I make the cream puffs in advance?

Absolutely! The pastry shells can be baked a day ahead or even frozen. Fill them just before serving for best results—that way, both the shell and cream taste fresh and dreamy.

Why did my cream puffs collapse after baking?

This often happens if the inside wasn’t fully baked or if the oven door opened during baking, letting steam escape. Make sure to bake until they’re deep golden and let them cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

Can I add different flavors to the cream filling?

Definitely! Try folding in lemon zest, almond extract, or a spoonful of cocoa powder. A little instant espresso in the cream brings a sophisticated twist to classic Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs.

How do I get perfectly round cream puffs?

Using a piping bag with a large round tip will give the most uniform shapes, but you can also use a cookie scoop or spoon. Dip your finger in water to gently smooth out the tops before baking for bakery-worthy looks.

Is it possible to fill these with something other than whipped cream?

Of course! Vanilla pastry cream, chocolate mousse, or even ice cream are all wonderful alternatives. Each brings its own delicious character to Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs and makes for a fun twist on the classic.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re inspired to treat yourself and your loved ones to Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs soon. There’s nothing like watching faces light up at the first pillowy, creamy bite. This recipe is a little bit of tradition, a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of joy—so gather your ingredients and create something memorably sweet today!

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 cream puffs 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the light and airy delight of Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs. These classic French-American treats are a perfect balance of crisp pastry and luscious whipped cream, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cream Puffs:

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

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour and salt, stir until a ball forms. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time.
Bake the puffs: Drop dough mounds onto the baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
Make the filling: Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fill the cooled puffs and dust with powdered sugar.