Light, airy, and filled with the creamiest vanilla goodness, Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are the kind of dessert that brings instant nostalgia. With crisp golden shells and a rich, fluffy filling, these classic treats feel fancy but are surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want a dessert that tastes like home.
Ingredients
For the Cream Puff Shells
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Butter – 1 stick (8 tablespoons)
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Water – 1 cup
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Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
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All-purpose flour – 1 cup
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Eggs – 4
For Mom’s Famous Filling
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Heavy cream – 1 pint
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Instant vanilla pudding mix – 1 package (3.4 oz)
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Milk – 1/3 cup
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Powdered sugar – for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Boiling Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium heat.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir quickly and continuously until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball of dough.
Step 3: Cool and Add the Eggs
Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for a few minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should become smooth, glossy, and thick.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each puff.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed, firm, and deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Famous Filling
In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, dry pudding mix, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer until thick, fluffy, and stable — similar to a firm whipped cream.
Step 6: Assemble
Slice the cooled cream puffs in half horizontally. Fill generously with the cream mixture, replace the tops, and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Mom’s Famous Cream Puffs are light, creamy, and irresistibly nostalgic. With crisp shells and a rich vanilla filling, they’re the kind of dessert that disappears fast and gets requested again and again. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy every bite of this timeless family favorite.