Dolly Parton's Cream Puffs

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted.
2. Once the butter has melted, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Using a pastry bag fitted with a round tip, pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the pastry for 20-25 minutes or until they are p￭ up and golden brown.
8. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cream puffs inside for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Remove the cream puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Prepare the Vanilla Pastry Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of whole milk and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the milk is warm.
11. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch and the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually pour in the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly.
12. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
13. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the hot pastry cream. Stir until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
14. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Nutrition