Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Choux Pastry
In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the butter has melted completely, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Next, add the all-purpose flour to the saucepan and stir quickly until the mixture forms a smooth ball. Return the saucepan to medium heat and continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Adding the Eggs
While the dough is still warm, add one egg at a time to the mixing bowl and beat well after each addition. The dough will gradually become glossy and smooth.
Step 3: Baking the Profiteroles
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each profiterole to allow for expansion.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the profiteroles are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 4: Making the Cream Filling
In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then continue beating for a few seconds to incorporate the flavors.
Step 5: Assembling the Profiteroles
Once the profiteroles have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side of each one. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream filling and carefully pipe it into the profiteroles through the slit.
Step 6: Serving
Arrange the filled profiteroles on a serving platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy these soft and fluffy treats!
Now that you have the perfect recipe for making soft and fluffy profiteroles, bring out your inner baker and delight your taste buds with these delectable pastries. Whether you serve them at a special occasion or simply enjoy them as an everyday treat, profiteroles are sure to impress. Have fun experimenting with different fillings and flavors to make these irresistible treats your own!