Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? These Christmas Cream Puffs are the perfect addition to your holiday table! These delightful little puffs, filled with a creamy, spiced custard, are both beautiful and delicious – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your Christmas gatherings or any festive occasion. They're a sophisticated twist on a classic, and the homemade touch adds a special warmth to your celebrations. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe for a truly unforgettable holiday treat!
Ingredients:
For the Choux Pastry:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Christmas Spiced Custard:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Garnish:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh cranberries
- Sprigs of rosemary (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Choux Pastry:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Water & Butter: In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
- Add Flour: Once boiling, remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This is crucial for a light and airy puff.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be smooth and glossy. Don't worry if it seems a little too thin at first, it will thicken as it bakes.
- Pipe the Puffs: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (about 1 inch). Pipe 2-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking! This will cause them to deflate.
- Cool: Let the puffs cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
Making the Christmas Spiced Custard:
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
- Temper the Egg Yolk: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk. Slowly drizzle a little of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk, whisking constantly to temper the egg and prevent it from scrambling.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and comes to a simmer. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Cool: Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool completely.
Assembling the Christmas Cream Puffs:
- Fill the Puffs: Once the puffs and custard are completely cool, use a serrated knife to carefully cut a small hole in the bottom of each puff. Insert a piping bag (or ziplock bag with corner snipped off) filled with the Christmas spiced custard and pipe the filling into each puff.
- Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra richness, use crème pâtissière instead of the spiced custard.
- Get creative with the fillings! Try chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or even a simple whipped cream.
- Make these ahead of time! The puffs can be filled and garnished a day or two before serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (per puff, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Enjoy your delicious homemade Christmas Cream Puffs! These easy recipes are perfect for a quick dinner, and these healthy meals are sure to be a festive hit. Homemade cooking has never been so rewarding. These are truly the best recipes for a memorable Christmas.