Berry Cream Pastry Puffs

A holiday favorite — simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious! I usually make at least 500 of these at Christmas.

Ingredients

For the  Pastry  Dough:

• 1 cup (250 ml) water

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries), chopped

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

• Optional: Melted chocolate or berry sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the  Pastry  Dough:

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

2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Heat over medium-high until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat to low, add the flour all at once, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1–2 minutes).

4. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.

5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and glossy.

6. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden. Avoid opening the oven door while baking.

8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

2. Gently fold in the chopped berries.

3. Assemble the Pastry Puffs:

1. Once the pastry puffs have cooled, slice each in half horizontally using a serrated knife.

2. Fill the bottom half of each puff with the berry cream mixture.

3. Replace the top half to form a sandwich.

4. Add the Finishing Touches:

1. Dust the filled pastries with powdered sugar.

2. Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate or berry sauce for extra flavor and presentation.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. These pastries are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special gathering!

Tips for Success

• For a firmer pastry shell, bake for an additional 3–5 minutes.

• Chill both the cream and the mixing bowl before whipping to achieve the best consistency.

• Use a piping bag with a star tip for an elegant presentation of the filling.