Introduction

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. These delicate, airy puffs are made with a light choux pastry that puffs up perfectly when baked, creating a hollow center just waiting to be filled with a luscious, creamy filling. Whether filled with whipped cream, custard, or pastry cream, these treats are a delightful indulgence.

I remember the first time I helped my mom make these; the smell of freshly baked cream puffs filled the house, and we couldn’t wait to fill them with that rich, creamy goodness. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize the filling to your preference, whether you want something light like whipped cream or more indulgent like a custard.

With their golden exterior and sweet, creamy interior, these cream puffs are perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet snack to enjoy at any time of day. The light, fluffy texture paired with the smooth filling makes each bite irresistible, and it’s a dessert that always leaves everyone wanting more.

Perfect for:

Special occasions
Holiday gatherings
Afternoon tea
Dessert buffets
Impressing guests

Why You’ll Love This Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Here’s why Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs will become your go-to recipe:

Light and Airy: The choux pastry is soft and light, making each bite a delicate and satisfying experience.
Versatile Filling Options: You can fill these cream puffs with various fillings like whipped cream, custard, or chocolate mousse to suit your taste.
Impressive Yet Simple: While they look elegant and complex, these cream puffs are surprisingly simple to make.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a large gathering or a small family dinner, these cream puffs are always a hit.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These treats are as perfect for a birthday party as they are for an afternoon snack.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 24 cream puffs
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

To make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs, you’ll need:

For the Choux Pastry:

1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

Filling:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon brandy or coffee liqueur (optional)

Topping:

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ingredient Highlights

Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich, flavorful choux pastry base that ensures a delicate puff with a subtle buttery taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the key to creating the structure needed for the pastry to puff up in the oven.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating the light, airy texture of the choux pastry, helping it rise beautifully in the oven.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For the filling, whipping cream creates a rich, smooth, and creamy texture that perfectly complements the light pastry.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a comforting, warm flavor to the whipped cream filling.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens both the cream and the dusting on top of the cream puffs for that perfect finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:

Prepare the Choux Pastry:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Make the Pastry Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once the butter is melted and the water is boiling, remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth dough.
Add the Eggs: Let the dough cool for a few minutes. Then, one at a time, add the eggs to the dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough will initially seem separated, but keep stirring until it’s smooth and glossy.
Shape the Pastry: Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Pastry: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have puffed up. Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking to ensure they puff correctly.
Cool: Remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. You can also poke a small hole in the side of each puff to allow steam to escape, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Prepare the Filling:

Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. If you’d like to add brandy or coffee liqueur, fold it in gently at this point.
Fill the Puffs: Once the puffs have cooled, use a serrated knife to cut them in half, or make a small hole in the bottom of each puff. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and pipe it generously into the center of each puff.

Assemble and Serve:

Dust with Powdered Sugar: After filling the cream puffs, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Serve: Arrange the cream puffs on a serving platter and enjoy! They are best served immediately but can also be refrigerated for a few hours before serving.

How to Serve Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a versatile treat that can be served in various ways:

As a Party Dessert: These cream puffs are an elegant addition to any party or gathering, perfect for impressing your guests.
For Afternoon Tea: Pair these cream puffs with a cup of tea for a classic afternoon treat.
On a Dessert Table: These little puffs make a beautiful addition to dessert tables, especially for special occasions like weddings or birthdays.
With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Serve them alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy, indulgent treat.

Additional Tips for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Here are some tips to ensure your Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are perfect every time:

Don’t Open the Oven Early: To allow the puffs to rise properly, avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking.
Use Cold Cream: Ensure your whipping cream is cold before whipping, as it will whip better and form stiff peaks.
Pipe the Filling Quickly: Fill the puffs just before serving to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors for the filling, such as adding a little chocolate or citrus zest to the whipped cream.

Recipe Variations for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Here are 5 variations you can try for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs:

Chocolate Cream Puffs: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the whipped cream for a rich, chocolatey filling.
Custard-Filled Cream Puffs: Replace the whipped cream with a rich custard or pastry cream for a traditional take.
Coffee Cream Puffs: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the whipped cream for a coffee-flavored twist.
Lemon Cream Puffs: Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the whipped cream for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Berry Cream Puffs: Fold in fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries into the whipped cream for a fruity filling.

Freezing and Storage for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Freezing: The choux pastry can be frozen before baking. Shape the dough, place it on a baking sheet, and freeze the puffs. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage: Store the filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Unfilled puffs can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days and then filled when ready to serve.

Special Equipment for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs easier:

Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will make whipping the cream a breeze.
Piping Bag: For easy and precise filling of the cream puffs.
Baking Sheet: A parchment-lined or silicone baking sheet ensures the puffs bake evenly.
Wire Rack: Use a cooling rack to let the puffs cool evenly and avoid sogginess.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements will help you achieve the perfect results.
Oven Thermometer: Ensures that your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Can I make the choux pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the choux pastry in advance and freeze the unbaked puffs for up to a month. Simply bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a store-bought filling?
While homemade whipped cream or custard gives the best flavor, you can use store-bought whipped cream or custard if you’re in a pinch.
Can I make these cream puffs gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, although the texture may differ slightly.
How do I prevent the cream puffs from deflating?
Be sure to bake them at a high temperature without opening the oven door early. After baking, allow them to cool fully before filling them with cream.
How can I make these cream puffs more decadent?
You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cream puffs for a rich, indulgent touch.

Conclusion

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are the ultimate blend of simplicity and elegance. These light, golden puffs have a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry paired with a rich, smooth cream filling that makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a celebration, a cozy treat with tea, or just when you want something sweet—these cream puffs never fail to impress.

They’re easy to make yet offer a gourmet experience that everyone will love. With their delicate texture and delightful flavor, you’ll be making these cream puffs time and time again.

Can’t wait to see how your cream puffs turn out! Be sure to take a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your creations! Happy baking!

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs