Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe

If you have a soft spot for delicate pastries that melt in your mouth, this Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. Light, airy shells cradle the richest, creamiest vanilla whipped cream, all finished with a dazzlingly sweet powdered sugar glaze that’s just the right balance of indulgence and elegance. Just imagine the first bite—a perfect puff bursting with fluffy sweetness and a hint of vanilla that’ll have you reaching for another without a second thought. This classic dessert truly brings joy to every occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the golden, airy puff shells or the melt-in-your-mouth whipped cream filling. Here’s what you need to bring this dream dessert to life:

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Gives the puff shells a rich flavor and helps create that tender crumb.
• Water (1 cup): Essential for creating the steam that helps the cream puffs rise perfectly in the oven.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): The foundation of the puff shells, providing structure and chewiness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Large eggs (4): Integral for binding the dough and giving the puffs their iconic puffiness.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped into luscious vanilla cream, it’s what makes these puffs irresistibly creamy.
• Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons for cream, 1/2 cup for glaze): Sweetens the whipped cream and forms the delicate glaze topping.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, comforting flavor that ties the cream filling together.
• Milk or water (1-2 tablespoons): Used to thin out the powdered sugar glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

To start your Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe off just right, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, ensuring the puffs won’t stick and bake evenly. This step sets the stage for puffs that rise beautifully and brown perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water and bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour and salt immediately and all at once. Return the pan to the stove and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. This process ensures your dough is perfectly cooked to puff up nicely.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

After removing the dough from the heat, let it cool for a minute so the eggs won’t scramble when added. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes glossy and smooth. This step is the secret to those light, airy cream puffs bursting with incredible texture.

Step 4: Pipe or Spoon the Dough

Transfer your dough to a piping bag or use a spoon to dollop small mounds of dough—about 1 to 1½ inches each—onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between each one to allow for expansion in the oven. This spacing helps the puffs bake into perfect little clouds.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Puffy

Place the trays into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until your cream puffs are golden brown and puffed up beautifully. Important tip: don’t open the oven door in the first 15 minutes since sudden temperature changes can cause the puffs to collapse, and we definitely don’t want that!

Step 6: Cool the Shells and Prepare for Filling

Once baked, transfer the puffs to a wire rack and let them cool completely. When cool, gently poke a small hole into the side of each puff—this is where we’ll pipe in that heavenly vanilla whipped cream filling, ensuring the puffs remain light without becoming soggy.

Step 7: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat—you want luscious, smooth whipped cream that will melt with every bite.

Step 8: Fill the Cream Puffs

Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or a spoon if easier, to generously fill each puff through the small hole you made. This luscious vanilla whipped cream filling is what makes this Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe such a star.

Step 9: Make the Powdered Sugar Glaze

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk or water and stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more liquid to get the perfect drizzling consistency. This sweet glaze adds that magical finishing touch, bringing a gentle shine and sweetness on top of each cream puff.

Step 10: Drizzle the Glaze

Finally, drizzle the powdered sugar glaze over the filled cream puffs. The glossy glaze looks stunning and adds just the right hint of sweetness, balancing the fluffy cream inside.

How to Serve Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your cream puffs by garnishing with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. These little touches elevate the dessert and show your personal style.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful puffs with a refreshing fruit salad or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to create a balanced and memorable dessert experience. The creamy sweetness of the puffs cuts through the freshness of fruit beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, stack cream puffs in a pyramid shape for a croquembouche-inspired centerpiece or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand. Drizzle extra glaze just before serving for a glistening effect that captivates your guests instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fill them just before serving to avoid sogginess and to keep that signature puffiness intact.

Freezing

If you want to keep cream puffs longer, freeze the unfilled shells in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and fill with freshly whipped cream.

Reheating

To revive any stored shells, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their crispness. Avoid reheating after filling to preserve the cream’s texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different filling besides vanilla whipped cream?

Absolutely! While vanilla whipped cream is classic, feel free to experiment with chocolate mousse, pastry cream, or even fruit-flavored creams for a unique twist on the Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe.

Why do my cream puffs collapse sometimes?

Collapsing puffs usually result from opening the oven too early or not cooking the dough thoroughly enough before adding eggs. Make sure to avoid opening the oven in the first 15 minutes and cook the dough until it pulls away from the pan.

How do I achieve the perfect glaze consistency?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle smoothly. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk or water and add more gradually until it flows easily without being runny.

Can I make the dough in advance?

For best results, prepare and bake the dough on the same day. The dough changes texture as it cools, which can affect how well it puffs in the oven.

How long do cream puffs stay fresh?

Filled cream puffs are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for optimal texture and flavor. Unfilled shells can last longer if properly stored in an airtight container or frozen.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of biting into homemade Cream Puffs with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe. Their delicate shells, fluffy vanilla cream, and sweet glaze come together in a timeless dessert that feels both fancy and homey. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try and make someone’s day a little sweeter with these irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth treats!

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