Cream Puffs

1. Make the Choux Pastry:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Reduce the heat to low, add the flour all at once, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and pipeable.

2. Pipe and Bake:

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a spoon).

Pipe or scoop mounds of dough (about 1.5 inches wide) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven during baking to prevent collapsing.

Remove from the oven and poke a small hole in each puff with a toothpick to release steam. Cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Cream Filling:

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

4. Fill the Cream Puffs:

Cut each puff in half horizontally or use the piping tip to fill them from the bottom.

Pipe the whipped cream generously into the cooled puffs.

5. Add the Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):

Melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the filled cream puffs for an elegant touch.

Tips for Success:

Make sure the choux pastry dough is cool enough before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling them.

Whip the cream just before filling the puffs to ensure it stays fresh and fluffy.

Serve the cream puffs immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions:

Cream puffs pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a festive twist, dust them with powdered sugar or fill them with flavored creams like chocolate or coffee.