French Cream Puffs Recipe are light, fluffy and filled with delicious cream. They are perfect for dessert or a special treat. Making them at home is easier than you think.
This French cream puffs recipe will guide you step by step. You will learn how to make the perfect puff pastry and creamy filling.
The ingredients for French cream puffs are simple and the results are amazing. Let’s dive into how to make French cream puffs today.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this French cream puffs recipe for the first time last week. I was surprised how easy it was. The puffs turned golden and fluffy. The cream filling was smooth and sweet. My family loved them and asked for more.
Using simple ingredients made it stress-free. I also learned that small tips, like baking at the right temperature, matter a lot. Now, French cream puffs are my favorite homemade dessert.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: French Cream Puffs
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry bag with round tip
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for French Cream Puffs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare for puffs to rise well. - Boil Butter and Water
In a saucepan, combine butter, water and salt. Heat until butter melts completely. - Add Flour
Remove from heat. Stir in flour until a smooth dough forms. Cook 1–2 minutes. - Cool the Dough
Let dough cool 5 minutes before adding eggs. Too hot dough cooks the eggs. - Add Eggs One by One
Beat in eggs one at a time. Dough becomes smooth and glossy. - Pipe the Puffs
Transfer dough to a pastry bag. Pipe small circles on the baking sheet. - Bake the Puffs
Bake 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce to 350°F (175°C). Bake 15 more minutes. - Cool Completely
Remove from oven. Cool on a wire rack. Do not cut yet. - Whip the Cream
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form. - Fill the Puffs
Cut puffs in half. Pipe cream inside each puff carefully. - Optional Chocolate Drizzle
Melt chocolate. Drizzle over puffs for decoration. - Serve Fresh
Serve immediately or store for later. Enjoy the creamy, fluffy puffs.
Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing.
- Do not open oven early or puffs may collapse.
- Pipe evenly to get uniform size puffs.
- Whip cream just until stiff, not too long.
- Store baked puffs in airtight container if not filling immediately.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Serving Suggestions
French cream puffs are best served fresh. You can dust them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea.
They also go well with fresh berries on the side. For parties, place them on a platter for a beautiful dessert display.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Chocolate sauce for dipping
- Vanilla ice cream
- Light fruit salad
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store unfilled puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refrigerate filled puffs for up to 24 hours. To reheat, warm for 2–3 minutes in the oven. Avoid microwaving filled puffs; cream may melt.
French Cream Puffs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare for puffs to rise well.
Boil Butter and Water
- In a saucepan, combine butter, water and salt. Heat until butter melts completely.
Add Flour
- Remove from heat. Stir in flour until a smooth dough forms. Cook 1–2 minutes.
Cool the Dough
- Let dough cool 5 minutes before adding eggs. Too hot dough cooks the eggs.
Add Eggs One by One
- Beat in eggs one at a time. Dough becomes smooth and glossy.
Pipe the Puffs
- Transfer dough to a pastry bag. Pipe small circles on the baking sheet.
Bake the Puffs
- Bake 10 minutes at 425°F, then reduce to 350°F (175°C). Bake 15 more minutes.
Cool Completely
- Remove from oven. Cool on a wire rack. Do not cut yet.
Whip the Cream
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form.
Fill the Puffs
- Cut puffs in half. Pipe cream inside each puff carefully.
Optional Chocolate Drizzle
- Melt chocolate. Drizzle over puffs for decoration.
Serve Fresh
- Serve immediately or store for later. Enjoy the creamy, fluffy puffs.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing.
- Do not open oven early or puffs may collapse.
- Pipe evenly to get uniform size puffs.
- Whip cream just until stiff, not too long.
- Store baked puffs in airtight container if not filling immediately.
FAQs About French Cream Puffs
Q1: Can I make puffs ahead of time?
Yes, bake puffs a day ahead. Store unfilled puffs airtight. Fill cream just before serving.
Q2: Can I use a different filling?
Yes, pastry cream, chocolate mousse or custard work well. Get creative with flavors you like.
Q3: Why did my puffs collapse?
Opening the oven too early or not beating eggs properly may cause collapse.
Q4: Can I freeze cream puffs?
Freeze baked puffs without cream for up to 1 month. Thaw before filling and serving.
Q5: Can I make chocolate French cream puffs?
Yes, add cocoa powder to dough or drizzle melted chocolate after baking.
Conclusion
This French cream puffs recipe is simple, fun and delicious. Following these steps ensures fluffy puffs and creamy filling every time.
The ingredients for French cream puffs are easy to find. Whether for a party or family dessert, these puffs impress everyone.
Try this recipe today and enjoy homemade French pastries. You will love making and sharing them with friends and family.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
