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Italian Cream Puffs

A delightful treat with soft, airy pastry filled with luscious cream and topped with chocolate drizzle, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Choux Pastry
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 4 large eggs
For the Cream Filling
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Drizzle (optional)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter For melting with chocolate

Method
 

Prepare the Choux Pastry
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a saucepan, combine water and butter; bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, add flour, salt, and sugar, stirring until a smooth ball forms.
  4. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
  5. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
Bake the Pastry
  1. Spoon or pipe the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating small mounds about 1 inch apart.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until puffs are golden brown.
  3. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cream Puffs
  1. Once cooled, carefully cut the tops off the baked pastry shells.
  2. Fill each shell with the whipped cream — you can use a piping bag for a neat finish!
Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle (optional)
  1. Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over the filled cream puffs.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Best to fill puffs with cream before serving for crispiness. Unfilled pastry shells can be frozen for about a month.