Name: Chouquettes: French Cream Puff Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Water (250ml); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine salt); 2 teaspoons Sugar; 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small chunks); 1 cup All-purpose Flour (140g); 4 Large Eggs (at room temperature); 1 Egg Yolk; 1 teaspoon Milk; Pearl Sugar (for sprinkling)

“`html

If you’ve ever wandered through the charming streets of Paris, you might have stumbled upon a little bakery selling delightful, airy pastries dusted with pearl sugar called chouquettes. These bite-sized puffs are not only irresistibly light but also incredibly simple to make at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Chouquettes: French Cream Puff Recipe will guide you through creating these classic French treats that are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an elegant snack.

Chouquettes are essentially delicate cream puffs made from pâte à choux dough, sprinkled with crunchy pearl sugar that adds a subtle crunch and sweetness. They’re charmingly rustic, yet sophisticated in their simplicity. Plus, they pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of milk, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Ready to bring a touch of Parisian magic to your kitchen? Let’s dive right in!

The Upside of Chouquettes: French Cream Puff Recipe

Chouquettes are one of those pastries that prove simplicity is key. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these airy delights are quick to prepare and bake. The dough itself is a fascinating mix of water, butter, flour, and eggs that puffs up beautifully in the oven to create hollow centers perfect for filling or enjoying as is.

What makes chouquettes especially delightful is their versatility. Whether you leave them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or add the signature pearl sugar topping, they always deliver a light, crisp texture with a tender crumb inside. They’re naturally portioned, making them ideal for parties or a sweet treat to share. Plus, with this recipe, you can easily customize them to your taste or dietary needs!

Your Shopping Guide

Water (1 cup / 250ml) – The base liquid for the dough; tap or filtered water works great.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor; use fine salt for even mixing.
Sugar (2 teaspoons) – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons / 90g) – Provides richness and helps the dough puff; make sure to cut into small chunks for easier melting.
All-purpose Flour (1 cup / 140g) – The structure builder for the pâte à choux.
Large Eggs (4, at room temperature) – Key for the dough’s elasticity and rise.
Egg Yolk (1) – Used in the glaze to give the chouquettes a golden sheen.
Milk (1 teaspoon) – Mixed with egg yolk for the glaze.
Pearl Sugar – The signature crunchy topping that sets chouquettes apart from regular cream puffs.

Tools of the Trade

Medium saucepan – For boiling the water, butter, salt, and sugar mixture.
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – Essential for stirring the dough as it cooks and thickens.
Mixing bowl – To combine the dough and eggs smoothly.
Electric mixer (optional) – Makes incorporating eggs easier, especially if you’re short on time.
Piping bag with a round tip – For piping perfectly shaped puffs onto the baking sheet.
Baking sheet – To bake the chouquettes evenly.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Whisk – For mixing the egg yolk glaze smoothly with milk.

Stepwise Method: Chouquettes: French Cream Puff Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (250ml) water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter cut into small chunks. Heat over medium until the butter melts completely and the mixture starts to boil.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add 1 cup (140g) flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a ball.

Step 3: Cool the Dough Slightly

Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be glossy, smooth, and slightly thick but still pipeable.

Step 5: Pipe the Puffs

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, pipe small rounds about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, spaced evenly apart.

Step 6: Apply the Egg Yolk Glaze

Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 teaspoon milk to create the glaze. Gently brush this glaze over each puff to give them a beautiful golden color once baked.

Step 7: Sprinkle Pearl Sugar

Generously sprinkle the tops of each piped puff with pearl sugar for that signature crunch and sweetness.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chouquettes for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed up, golden, and crisp on the outside. Avoid opening the oven door during baking as this can cause them to collapse.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea. These puffs can also be filled with cream or custard, but the classic chouquette is perfect on its own!

Variations for Dietary Needs

Vegan option: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flaxseed egg replacement (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) to achieve a similar texture.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help maintain dough structure.
Reduced sugar: Omit the sugar in the dough and glaze, but keep the pearl sugar topping for sweetness and texture.
Dairy-free: Replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps the dough incorporate better and rise more evenly.
Don’t skip the pearl sugar: It’s what gives chouquettes their classic crunchy, sweet exterior.
Oven temperature matters: A hot oven is key to getting that perfect puff. If your oven runs cool, consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Mixing tips: When adding eggs, mix well but avoid overmixing; the dough should be shiny and smooth but not runny.
Creative serving ideas: Fill your chouquettes with pastry cream, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Chouquettes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month.

To reheat, bake frozen chouquettes at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make chouquettes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

What can I use if I don’t have pearl sugar?

Pearl sugar is ideal for its crunch and sweetness, but if you don’t have it, coarse sugar or sanding sugar can be used as a substitute. The texture won’t be quite the same but still delicious!

Can chouquettes be filled with cream?

Yes! While traditional chouquettes are enjoyed plain, you can fill them with pastry cream, custard, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Simply slice them in half once cooled and pipe in the filling.

Is it possible to add flavors to the dough?

Definitely! You can infuse the water with vanilla bean, lemon zest, or even a pinch of cinnamon to add subtle flavor nuances. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate dough.

Explore More

Choco Hazelnut Cheesecake Stuffed Crescents – A decadent twist on crescent rolls filled with rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake.
Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Chimichangas – Crispy, sweet, and creamy, these chimichangas are a crowd-pleaser.
Churro Cheesecake Crescent Bars – A fun, easy dessert combining churro flavors with creamy cheesecake in a handy bar form.

Let’s Eat

Now that you’ve mastered the art of chouquettes, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. These golden, sugar-crusted puffs are best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Whether you keep them simple or dress them up with a luscious filling, chouquettes bring a slice of Parisian charm right to your home kitchen. Share them with friends and family, and watch their faces light up with delight.

Don’t forget to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. And if you’re craving more delightful desserts, be sure to check out some of the other irresistible recipes like Choco Hazelnut Cheesecake Stuffed Crescents or Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Chimichangas for your next sweet adventure. Happy baking!

“`