These Cream Puffs (or profiteroles) are legendary for a reason—golden, hollow shells of choux pastry filled with silky vanilla whipped cream or pastry cream, creating a dessert that’s crisp outside, airy inside, and utterly luxurious. Despite their elegant reputation, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home with just 5 basic ingredients.
No fancy tools, no advanced skills—just precise mixing and a hot oven. The result? A classic French treat that feels like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ☁️ Light as air, crisp as a whisper
- 🥛 Filled with homemade vanilla cream—no store-bought needed
- ⏱️ 30 minutes prep, 30 minutes bake
- 💛 One saucepan + one mixing bowl = easy cleanup
- 💸 Costs under $6—makes 12–14 puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Choux Pastry Shells:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use room-temperature eggs—they incorporate smoothly into the dough.
- Don’t open the oven early—steam is essential for puffing!
- Cool shells completely before filling to prevent sogginess.
