Cream puffs

Vanilla cream puffs with chocolate glaze

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-15 puffs

Welcome to the tempting world of cream puffs! These airy delights, filled with a smooth vanilla cream and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze, are the perfect treat for celebrating special moments or simply indulging yourself. Originating from pastry tradition, cream puffs are a symbol of culinary refinement and the art of cooking. Let’s embark on this adventure together!

Ingredients

For the puffs:
- 450 ml water
- 150 g margarine
- 300 g flour
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 7 large eggs or 8 medium eggs

For the vanilla cream:
- 1 liter milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 4 egg whites
- 120 g sugar
- 4 sachets of vanilla sugar

For the whipped cream:
- 200-250 ml heavy cream, whipped

For the glaze:
- 2 chocolates (milk or dark, as preferred)
- 100 ml heavy cream

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the puffs

1. Boil the water and margarine:
In a saucepan, bring 450 ml of water to a boil with 150 g of margarine, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the vanilla essence. Stir until the margarine is completely melted and the water starts to boil.

2. Sift the flour:
While waiting for the water to boil, sift the 300 g of flour twice. This step will ensure a light and airy texture for the puffs.

3. Add the flour:
When the water is boiling, add the sifted flour all at once and stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon. Continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the saucepan and forms a compact ball.

4. Cool the dough:
Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5-10 minutes. This is important to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them.

5. Add the eggs:
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become shiny and elastic. It is essential to use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.

6. Shape the puffs:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off, form puffs of the desired size (about 4-5 cm in diameter) on the tray. Make sure to leave enough space between them to allow for rising.

7. Bake:
Bake the puffs for 25-30 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes to prevent them from collapsing.

Step 2: Preparing the vanilla cream

1. Boil the milk:
In a saucepan, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil with a sachet of vanilla sugar. Let it reach boiling point.

2. Mix the egg yolks:
Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the 6 egg yolks with 120 g of sugar until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes creamy. Gradually add the 8 tablespoons of flour, mixing well.

3. Combine the mixtures:
When the milk is boiling, slowly pour it into the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Then, pour everything back into the saucepan.

4. Cook the cream:
Place the saucepan over low heat and cook the cream, stirring constantly, for about 15 minutes until it thickens. The cream should have a smooth and velvety consistency.

5. Whip the egg whites:
In another bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the remaining vanilla sugar and continue to beat until you achieve stiff peaks.

6. Incorporate the egg whites:
Add the whipped egg whites to the cooled cream, gently folding to avoid deflating. Let the cream cool completely.

Step 3: Assembling the puffs

1. Fill the puffs:
Using a piping bag with a thin tip, fill each puff with the vanilla cream. For an extra treat, you can also add whipped cream inside.

2. Prepare the glaze:
In a small saucepan, melt the 2 chocolates together with 100 ml of heavy cream, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth and shiny mixture.

3. Glaze:
Dip the top of each puff into the chocolate glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Let them set slightly before serving.

Serving suggestions

These puffs are perfect for serving at a party or as a family dessert. You can pair them with a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea, and for an extra indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside them. If you want a touch of creativity, try adding some fresh fruits on top or sprinkling a little powdered sugar for a pleasing visual effect.

Nutritional information

These vanilla cream puffs are a delicious source of energy, but it is important to consume them in moderation, considering their sugar and fat content. A medium puff has about 200-250 calories, but also provides essential nutrients due to the eggs and milk used in the recipe.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used instead of margarine for a richer taste. Make sure it is at room temperature.

2. How can I make the puffs less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or opt for dark chocolate for the glaze.

3. Can the puffs be made in advance?
Yes, the puffs can be made a day ahead. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Possible variations

- Cocoa-flavored puffs: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa to the puff dough for a chocolate version.
- Puffs with different fillings: Experiment with fruit fillings or flavored creams, such as caramel or chocolate.

These vanilla cream puffs are a true delight and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your chef's hat and let's enjoy cooking! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For choux: 450 ml water, 150 g margarine, 300 g flour, 1 vial of vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon of salt, 7 large eggs/8 medium. Vanilla cream: 1 l milk, 6 egg yolks, 8 tablespoons flour, 4 egg whites, 120 g sugar, 4 sachets of vanilla sugar, 200-250 ml heavy whipped cream. Glaze: 2 milk/dark chocolates, 100 ml heavy cream.

 Tags:  cream puffs