Imagine you're about to dive into a cloud of chocolate goodness, all wrapped up in a light, airy puff. That's what we're aiming for with these Chocolate Cream Puffs. It's a delightful treat that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So, let's get started!
Ingredients:
- For the Cream Puffs:
- 1 cup of 2% milk (or skim/whole milk, but it'll change the flavor)
- 8 ounces of unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, whisked together
- For the Ganache (filling and glaze):
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 16 ounces of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
- 1 cup of raspberry preserves
How to Make It:
1. Prepare the Ganache:
- Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
- Add the chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then pour into a shallow bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
2. Make the Cream Puffs:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Combine the milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add the flour and stir until it looks like mashed potatoes.
- Cook on low heat for about a minute, then transfer to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
- Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then add the eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Pipe out the dough into balls and bake for about 25 minutes.
3. Assemble the Puffs:
- Once cooled, poke a hole in the bottom of each puff.
- Fill with raspberry preserves and ganache, then dip in the remaining ganache for a shiny glaze.
- Let the glaze set in the fridge before serving.
Tips:
- For a more chocolatey flavor, you can add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the ganache.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try filling the puffs with mascarpone cream instead of raspberry preserves.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with tea, coffee, or a tall glass of milk for a classic touch.
And there you have it! A simple, yet delicious recipe for Chocolate Cream Puffs that's easy to follow and sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade chocolate goodness!