Vanilla Citrus Cream Puffs bring a delightful twist to a classic dessert. With a perfect combination of fluffy pastry and zesty filling, these cream puffs are sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion.
The base of our pastry is simple but effective. We start with water and unsalted butter to create a rich dough. The all-purpose flour gives structure, while a pinch of salt enhances flavor. Eggs are crucial for adding richness and helping the dough puff up wonderfully in the oven. For the filling, heavy cream is whipped to create that luscious texture, sweetened with granulated sugar, and flavored with vanilla extract and orange zest for a refreshing twist. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
These cream puffs are a wonderful dessert on their own, but they can also be served with a side of fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. Consider pairing them with a light sparkling wine or a citrusy cocktail to complement the orange zest filling.
Let's get started by preheating the oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures our puffs bake evenly and won't stick. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a rolling boil. As soon as it hits that boiling point, reduce the heat and stir in the flour and salt using a wooden spoon. You'll notice the mixture quickly comes together and forms a ball - that's when you know it's ready to come off the heat.
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This is crucial because if it's too hot, the eggs you'll add next might start cooking. Once slightly cooled, beat in the eggs one by one. It might look like a mess at first, but keep mixing until smooth. The dough should be shiny and thick.
Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to expand. Pop them into the oven for 20-25 minutes until they're golden brown. Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
While they cool, whip up your filling. In a bowl, combine heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Whip until stiff peaks form, and you're ready to fill your puffs. Cut the puffs in half, generously fill them with your cream mixture, and give a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.
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