Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs

Light, airy pastry shells filled with rich vanilla cream – just like mom used to make!

Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are a treasured family treat — light choux pastry shells filled with smooth vanilla custard or whipped cream. With their elegant appearance and rich flavor, they’re perfect for holidays, tea parties, or just a sweet weekend indulgence. Bonus: they’re easier to make than they look!

Ingredients:

For the Choux Pastry:
1 cup water

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

4 large eggs

For the Cream Filling:
2 cups cold whole milk

1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tbsp powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Topping:
Powdered sugar for dusting

Chocolate glaze or melted chocolate for drizzling

Instructions:

Make the Pastry Shells
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.

Add flour and salt all at once. Stir quickly until mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Remove from heat. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. The dough should be thick and glossy.

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, whisk together cold milk and vanilla pudding mix. Let sit for 5 minutes.

In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Fold whipped cream into the pudding to make a fluffy filling.

Assemble the Cream Puffs
Slice each pastry in half horizontally (like a sandwich).

Spoon or pipe cream filling onto the bottom half.

Replace the top and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.

Tips & Variations
Use a piping bag for even-shaped puffs.

Try chocolate, coffee, or lemon pudding for filling variations.

Chill before serving for best texture.

Can be frozen (unfilled) and filled when ready to serve.