Homemade Cream Puffs with Chocolate Glaze

Cream puffs are one of those classic pastries that feel elegant, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious. With their airy choux pastry shells, rich vanilla cream filling, and glossy chocolate topping, they make a stunning dessert for any occasion. Though they look sophisticated, cream puffs are actually simple to prepare once you master the choux pastry technique. This recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring that your cream puffs turn out light, perfectly baked, and beautifully filled.

Below is the full recipe, along with tips, detailed instructions, and a final thought to help you achieve bakery-quality cream puffs at home.

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry

1 cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs

For the Vanilla Cream Filling

2 cups heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 packet instant vanilla pudding for extra thickness

For the Chocolate Glaze

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Make the Choux Pastry

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the butter completely melts and the mixture begins to boil.

Once boiling, immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously using a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Continue stirring for an additional one to two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for five minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough will look separated at first, but it will come together smoothly as you continue stirring. The final dough should be thick, glossy, and pipeable.

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe round mounds onto your baking sheet, spacing them at least two inches apart. If any peaks form at the top, gently smooth them using a damp finger.

Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and firm. Avoid opening the oven too early, as this can cause them to collapse.

Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling

To make the cream filling, pour the heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until stiff peaks form.

If you prefer a firmer filling that can hold shape for longer, mix in one tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding powder. This adds stability without changing the flavor too much.

Transfer the cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Set aside in the refrigerator until the pastry shells are cool.

3. Make the Chocolate Glaze

Place the chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and allow it to sit for two minutes.

Add the butter, then stir until smooth, glossy, and fully melted. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If needed, warm it slightly to thin the consistency.

4. Assemble the Cream Puffs

Once the pastry shells have cooled, slice each puff in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Pipe a generous amount of the vanilla cream filling into the bottom half of each shell, then place the top half back on.

Using a spoon, drizzle the chocolate glaze generously over each cream puff. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.

The cream puffs can be eaten immediately or chilled for a more refreshing texture.

Tips for Perfect Cream Puffs

Do not remove the puffs from the oven too early; they need time to dry out inside.
You can poke a small hole in each puff after baking to release steam and keep them crisp.
For a lighter filling, use whipped cream alone. For a richer filling, fold in a bit of pastry cream.
Store the filled puffs in the refrigerator, but for best texture, assemble shortly before serving.

Final Thought

Homemade cream puffs are a true testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something elegant and unforgettable. The contrast between the airy pastry, silky cream, and rich chocolate glaze creates a dessert experience that is both comforting and luxurious. Whether you serve them at a celebration, share them with friends, or enjoy them quietly at home, these cream puffs are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Bon appétit.