1/3 cup milk
Prepare the Cream Puffs
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and vanilla to a boil.
Add flour and stir continuously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake for about 40 minutes until golden and puffed.
Optional: poke small holes and let cool in the oven with the door slightly open.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine heavy cream, pudding mix, and milk.
Beat until thick and fluffy.
Continue with assembly, tips, and variations on the next page →Assemble the Cream Puffs
Allow puffs to cool completely.
Slice each puff horizontally.
Fill with the prepared cream.
Place the top back on and finish with powdered sugar or chocolate drizzle.
Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs
Dough should be smooth and slightly shiny after adding eggs
Avoid opening the oven while baking
Bake until golden and hollow inside
Cool properly to prevent collapsing
Chill filling before use for better texture
Variations
Chocolate version with cocoa powder and chocolate filling
Lemon version with zest and lemon cream
Coffee version with espresso and mocha cream
Fruit version with fresh berries
Savory version with cheese or chicken filling
Matcha version with green tea flavor
Caramel version with salted caramel drizzle
Storage Instructions
Unfilled puffs: store at room temperature up to 2 days
Freeze unfilled puffs up to 1 month
Filled puffs: refrigerate up to 2 days
Filling: keep in fridge up to 3 days
Serving Suggestions
Dust with powdered sugar
Drizzle melted chocolate
Serve with fresh fruits
Pair with coffee or tea
Why You’ll Love It
These cream puffs are soft, airy, and filled with a rich, creamy center. A timeless dessert that is easy to make and always impressive.
Famous Cream Puffs with Celebrated Filling
