Ingredients you’ll 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
- Optional fillings: pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted completely, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Remove from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Step 2: Adding the eggs
One by one, add the eggs to the dough, beating well after each addition. The dough will look shiny and smooth. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
Step 3: Piping the bigne
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least an inch apart. You can also use a spoon to drop the dough onto the sheet if you don’t have a piping bag.
Step 4: Baking the bigne
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bigne for about 20-25 minutes or until they become golden brown and puffed. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this can cause them to deflate.
Step 5: Filling the bigne
Once the bigne have cooled completely, you can fill them with your choice of fillings. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, gently fill each bigne with pastry cream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream. Be generous with the filling for that extra indulgence!
Step 6: Enjoying your bigne
Dust the filled bigne with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant touch, and they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately or refrigerate them for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion or as an afternoon indulgence.
We hope this step-by-step guide has helped demystify the process of making perfect bigne. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can impress your friends and family with these delicious Italian pastries. Enjoy!