Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light & Fluffy : The choux pastry creates a perfectly airy shell that’s crisp on the outside and hollow inside.
- Sweet & Sticky : The honey glaze adds a glossy, decadent finish that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable : Fill them with whipped cream, pastry cream, or even ice cream for variety.
- Impressive Presentation : These elegant treats look like they came from a French patisserie but are surprisingly simple to make.
- Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will adore these sweet, pillowy puffs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , cut into small pieces
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs , room temperature
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional : A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball.
- Return the pan to low heat and cook the dough for 1–2 minutes , stirring constantly, to dry it out slightly. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.
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- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
Step 3: Pipe and Bake
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped). Pipe small mounds (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use a damp fingertip to gently smooth any peaks on the tops of the puffs.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes , or until the puffs are golden brown, puffed, and crisp. Avoid opening the oven door while baking to prevent them from collapsing.
- Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the puffs dry in the warm oven for 5–10 minutes to ensure they stay crisp.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a small round or star tip.
Step 5: Assemble the Puffs
- Slice the cooled puffs in half horizontally. Pipe a generous dollop of whipped cream (or pastry cream) onto the bottom halves, then place the tops back on.
Step 6: Make the Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey and water. Heat over low heat until warm and slightly thinned, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in cinnamon or vanilla if desired.
- Drizzle the warm honey glaze generously over the assembled puffs.
Why This Recipe Works
- Choux Pastry Magic : The high moisture content in the dough creates steam during baking, which causes the puffs to rise and become hollow inside.
- Honey Glaze Perfection : The sticky-sweet glaze adds a beautiful shine and complements the creamy filling.
- Simple Ingredients : Everyday pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary.
Enjoy.