Profiteroles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Profiteroles are an elegant yet simple dessert that can be made from scratch with just a few ingredients. The dough is versatile and can be used for both savory and sweet fillings, making it adaptable for different occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, enjoying a sweet treat, or looking for a fun baking project, profiteroles are sure to impress. With a crispy outer shell and a soft, creamy filling, every bite is a harmonious combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for sweet fillings)

For the filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream (for whipped cream filling)

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream filling)

For the chocolate sauce:

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt. Mix vigorously until the dough comes together and forms a ball.

4. Return the dough to the heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the dough dries out slightly.

5. Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s slightly cool, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become smooth and glossy.

6. Using a spoon or piping bag, pipe small mounds of dough (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the profiteroles are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during baking to ensure they puff properly.

8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the profiteroles cool completely on a wire rack.

9. For the filling: Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

10. For the chocolate sauce: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.

11. Once the profiteroles are cool, carefully cut a small slit in the side of each puff and fill them with the whipped cream using a piping bag or spoon.

12. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the filled profiteroles or dip the tops in the sauce for extra decadence.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12-15 profiteroles. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and bake the profiteroles, with an additional 10-15 minutes for filling and assembling. If you plan to serve them fresh, allow about 1 hour for the full process.

Variations

• Different Fillings: Instead of whipped cream, you can fill the profiteroles with pastry cream, custard, or even ice cream for a frozen treat.

• Savory Profiteroles: For a savory twist, you can fill the profiteroles with cheese, cream cheese, or savory fillings like chicken salad or smoked salmon.

• Chocolate Glaze: If you prefer a smoother finish, use a glossy chocolate glaze instead of a sauce by melting chocolate with a little butter and cream.

• Mini Profiteroles: For bite-sized treats, pipe smaller mounds of dough and bake them for a shorter time.

Storage/Reheating

Profiteroles are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to store them for a longer period, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the profiteroles in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to bring back some of their crispiness. If filled, it is best to store the filled profiteroles in the refrigerator and consume them within 1-2 days.

FAQs

1. Can I make profiteroles in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the profiteroles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate the filled ones for up to 2 days.

2. Can I freeze profiteroles?

Yes, you can freeze the baked profiteroles. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will keep for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them from frozen at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

3. Why did my profiteroles not puff up?

If your profiteroles didn’t puff up, it could be because the oven door was opened too soon during baking, or the dough wasn’t dry enough before adding the eggs. Make sure the dough is smooth and glossy before piping.

4. Can I use a different filling than whipped cream?

Yes, you can fill profiteroles with pastry cream, custard, ice cream, or even savory fillings like cheese or chicken salad.

5. How do I prevent the profiteroles from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy profiteroles, ensure they are completely cool before filling and only fill them right before serving. If you need to store them, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator.

6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Before using it, let it come to room temperature and pipe onto the baking sheet.

7. What can I use instead of heavy cream for the filling?

You can use whipped coconut cream, mascarpone cheese, or a combination of cream cheese and powdered sugar for a different filling texture.

8. How do I know when the profiteroles are done baking?

Profiteroles are done when they are golden brown, puffed up, and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Do not open the oven door too early, as this can cause them to deflate.

9. Can I make profiteroles without eggs?

Eggs help provide structure and puff in the dough. While you may be able to make eggless profiteroles with substitutes like aquafaba, the result might differ slightly in texture and puffiness.

10. What other toppings can I add to profiteroles?

You can top profiteroles with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, fruit, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for added flavor and decoration.

Conclusion

Profiteroles are a delightful and elegant dessert that can be easily customized with different fillings and toppings. Whether you’re making them for a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these pastries will always be a crowd-pleaser. With a crispy exterior and a smooth, creamy filling, profiteroles are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.