Why You’ll Love These Mini Cream Puffs

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s elegant, easy to make, and absolutely delicious, these mini cream puffs are your answer. These bite-sized treats are light, airy, and filled with a creamy, dreamy filling that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just because, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover.

With just 5 simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these mini cream puffs in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, I’ll guide you step-by-step to ensure your cream puffs turn out perfect every time.

What Are Mini Cream Puffs?

Mini cream puffs, or choux à la crème, are a classic French dessert made from choux pastry. The pastry is light, hollow, and slightly crispy, making it the perfect vessel for creamy fillings. In this recipe, we’re keeping things simple yet elegant with a classic vanilla cream filling.

If you’re a fan of desserts like Grandma’s Pound Cake or Disney Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll adore these mini cream puffs. They’re a delightful mix of sophistication and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible mini cream puffs:

For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Choux Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Pipe or spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 1-inch mounds. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

3. Assemble the Mini Cream Puffs

Once the pastry shells are cool, slice them in half horizontally.
Pipe or spoon the vanilla cream filling into the bottom half of each shell.
Replace the tops and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Tips for Perfect Mini Cream Puffs

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the dough comes together smoothly.
Don’t Open the Oven: Resist the urge to open the oven while the pastry bakes. This can cause the puffs to collapse.
Customize the Filling: Swap the vanilla cream for chocolate, strawberry, or even a lemon curd filling for a different twist.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is perfect for busy bakers because it’s simple yet impressive. The choux pastry is foolproof, and the vanilla cream filling adds a classic, creamy touch. It’s a dessert that feels fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen.

If you’re a fan of bite-sized desserts, you’ll also love this Canning Raspberry Pie Filling or this Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake.