Introduction
Are you craving for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert? Look no further than making cream puff shells. These light and airy pastries are perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to a fancy dessert for a dinner party. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of making cream puff shells in 2023.
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. You will need: – 1 cup of water – 1/2 cup of unsalted butter – 1/4 teaspoon of salt – 1 cup of all-purpose flour – 4 large eggs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your cream puff shells cook evenly and have a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir the mixture vigorously until it forms a ball.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition. The dough should be smooth and shiny after all the eggs are incorporated.
Step 4: Pipe the Dough
Scoop the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Each shell should be about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Step 5: Bake the Shells
Bake the cream puff shells in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Do not open the oven door while they are baking, as this can cause them to collapse.
Step 6: Cool and Fill
Once the cream puff shells are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice off the top third of each shell and fill them with your desired filling, such as whipped cream, pastry cream, or ice cream.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, serve your cream puff shells and enjoy! You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for Success
– Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately, especially the flour. – Use room temperature eggs for the best results. – Pipe the dough onto the baking sheet immediately after mixing to prevent it from drying out. – Do not open the oven door while the shells are baking to prevent them from collapsing. – Let the shells cool completely before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
Conclusion
Making cream puff shells may seem intimidating, but with this easy-to-follow tutorial, you can create delicious and impressive desserts in no time. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned baker, these cream puff shells are sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!