We wouldn’t necessarily choose to have cream puffs for dinner…
As a matter of fact, this is likely to be the only time.
But on crazy busy days, when I’ve worked on a post, and there are all sorts of obligations fighting for my attention…we usually eat what Ciao Chow Bambina is offering.
Which means…Miniature Raspberry Cream Puffs it is!
Not ideal? Wait ’til Dom asks what we’re having for dessert…
Cream Puffs.
Hey! We can only do so much…am I right? Thankfully my guy has a sweet tooth, and won’t mind at all!
Actually, we’ll probably have a little popcorn tonight.
When I was growing up and dinner was slim, we knew it was “a popcorn night”! Some things never change! Love it!
I was inspired to make cream puffs as a result of all the beautiful blogs that are now highlighting Christmas recipes.
I thought it would be fun to make these miniature cream puffs (for Christmas) but you could just as easily adapt the filling to suit any flavor composition you’d like. Which means…pumpkin whipped cream slathered in these bite-size puffs would be a lovely dessert for Thanksgiving. Now my wheels are turning.
This recipe comes from my tried and true Italian cooking class…gosh, that little class has paid for itself over and over in delicious food and inspired ideas.
Would you believe me if I told you there are only 7 ingredients in this? And two are for the whipped cream?
Oh my…when I pulled these babies out of the oven – my day was made.
They’re crunchy and egg-y and light, and the perfect tiny vessel for our raspberry flavored whipped cream.
I don’t know why anyone would buy processed whipped cream when you can so easily make it yourself.
We’re talking 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup jam (any flavor you like) and mix until medium-soft peaks form.
That’s it.
I can imagine it with blackberry preserves, homemade strawberry jam or cinnamon scented pumpkin puree.
I can. I really can.
When making the puffs, you can use either a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to measure out the dough. I use a scoop. I do recommend it if you have one. It gives you consistency and better control over the round shape which is what we’re going for.
Once they’re baked and cooled, simply cut them in half, horizontally, and fill them with your whipped cream.
You could easily prepare these puffs in advance, and make the flavored cream right before serving.
This will be a hit my friends…for dinner…or otherwise!
Buon Appetito!
PrintMiniature Raspberry Cream Puffs
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine butter and boiling water in a pan and bring back to a boil.
- Mix flour and salt together and add to the boiling water and stir rapidly until mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until dough is smooth. It will come together all at once when the final egg is mixed in.
- Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then drop the temperature to 375 degrees for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- In the meantime, mix the whipping cream with the jam until medium-soft peaks form.
- Cut the puffs in half, horizontally, and fill with cream.
- Put upper half on top.
- Serve.
Ciao!
Michele @ Two Raspberries says
these look so good! light a puffy! plus I love the use of raspberries 😉
Annie says
They are quite yummy! Thanks Michele!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Wow Annie just a few minutes ago I was reaching in my freezer for the store bought creme puffs but after reading your post I am convinced I should try making them myself. They look beautiful.
Annie says
Please do yourself the favor…I think you’ll really like them! Thank you, Kathy!
Laura says
Hi Annie! I love how there’s only 7 ingredients in these little puffs. Even better!? ….is that I actually have all the ingredients in my pantry right now. Because, with this crazy snowstorm (we live in the area that was hit the most) there’s a driving ban and we are in a state of emergency. But that didn’t stop us from at least trying to hit up Chipotle today, Ha. Yes, they were closed. But we’re Buffaloians, we’re tough and used to driving in snow =) And I love popcorn for dinner, but I’d rather make these instead. And there’s raspberry in them so that counts as a fruit!
Annie says
Hi Laura, So happy to know your family is well in the midst of all that crazy weather…I was thinking about you! Ha! I love that Chipotle was the restaurant of choice…that would have been my crew’s too! So, yes…popcorn…always good…but these cream puffs…a little bit better! Have fun!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Oh my goodness! I love cream puffs but have never made them at home! Yours look gorgeous and that raspberry cream sounds divine!
Annie says
Oh yeahhhh! Cream puffs are pret-ty good! And now you can have them at home…easily! Thanks, Kelly!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
I love it when I learn something new by reading a blog post. I never would have thought that adding jam to whipped cream would work. I love that idea, and it opens up so many possibilities! Cream puffs are on my list to make…
Annie says
I am with you! When I discovered food blogs some years ago…I could not believe a) how much I could learn (and had to learn) and b) how happy they make me! I love the exchange of ideas and the creativity people have to share! Thanks Andrea!
Heather @ Shards of Lavender says
Some days, we eat all sorts of crazy things for dinner because I’ve been baking all day and we always seem to have leftovers! Growing up, we’d have popcorn for dinner too when my mom had been too busy to buy groceries… Your cream puffs are so gorgeous, Annie! I’ve never made my own and love how these only contain a handful of ingredients:)
Annie says
I suppose we can look at this as one of the perks of our work… it’s funny because a friend of mine recently asked if I make a whole separate dinner on days that I’ve worked on say, a pie…and we chuckled because I said, nope – pie it is! 🙂 So, you had popcorn nights, too? I love it! Popcorn holds a very special place in my heart! Thanks Heather!
Amanda says
So delicious and so adorable!!! LOVE!
Annie says
Thank you Amanda!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
These cream puffs look like just the perfect bite!
Annie says
Thanks Lisa!! 🙂
Adri says
Oh, but I will eat Cream Puffs any time of day or night. These look absolutely divine!
Annie says
Hahaha! Love it!! Thanks Adri!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
Hello, Annie! It looks like you got these little cream puffs absolutely perfect. These are actually my favourite kinds of recipes – easy but delicious! love your photos, too 😉
Annie says
You got it…easy but delicious!! Our kinda food! Thanks Helen!
ami@naivecookcooks says
Annie these are the cutest looking puffs seriously!!
Annie says
Thank you Ami!! 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
these look so yummmy Annie, I love cream puffs! Never tried making them but now I should. Pinned.
Annie says
Mm-hmmm…cream puffs are just so lovely…Enjoy!! Thanks for the pin dear!
Matea says
I wouldn’t complain if I had cream puffs for dinner! These look delicious!
Annie says
Haha! I know…hubby did not complain one little bit!! Thanks for stopping by Matea!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
I haven’t made cream puffs in eons! These look like perfect little pastries, I love them! And the raspberry whipped cream is a great idea!
Annie says
Thank you! Oh yeah…the whipped cream is a real treat!
marcie says
It’s so true — we get caught up on what we’re making for our posts and dinner takes a back seat! I’d be up for these beautiful cream puffs for dinner. I love how easy choux pastry is, and this filling is so luscious and perfect for the holiday! Pinned. 🙂
Annie says
Haha! I had a feeling I was not alone on this! Thanks for pinning, Marcie!
mira says
Absolutely beautiful! I love cream puffs and should make some soon! Before I started cooking I always thought that choux pastry was too difficult to make, but it really isn’t. Pinned!
Annie says
I am a testament that choux pastry is very possible!! Have fun! Thanks Mira!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I would totally eat these cream puffs for dinner, too! This is actually one of my favorite desserts, yet I hardly ever have it. That definitely needs to change! I love that you filled the insides with raspberry cream. Sounds delish!
Annie says
Thanks Gayle…what I really love about this cream puff is its subtle sweetness. 🙂
Karen Edwards says
Very nice Ann!
Annie says
Thanks Karen! 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Cream puffs!!! LOVE!!!! I’ve always wanted to try making cream puffs at home. . pinning this recipe!!!! and gorgeous photos!!! love love love!
Annie says
Now’s your chance! So simple and rewarding!! Thanks Alice!
Mir says
Wow, these are incredible! Your cooking class totally paid off. And I’d eat these for dinner any day of the week!
Annie says
Thank you so much, Mir!! You know what? We had left-overs…which means I’m about to have them for breakfast! 😉