Craquelin Cream Puffs with Chantilly and Nutella®
Category: Desserts
Servings: 12
These delicious Craquelin Cream Puffs filled with velvety Chantilly cream and Nutella® are the ultimate treat for any occasion. The combination of the light, airy puff pastry, the rich vanilla-flavored Chantilly, and the indulgent Nutella® filling creates a dessert that is as irresistible as it is beautiful. Perfect for gatherings, these elegant puffs will delight everyone who tries them.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 65g |
| Water | 55g |
| Butter (cold) | 45g |
| All-purpose flour | 75g |
| Granulated sugar | 7g |
| Eggs | 112g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Granulated sugar (for craquelin) | 80g |
| All-purpose flour (for craquelin) | 80g |
| Butter (for craquelin) | 60g |
| Nutella® | 168g |
| Heavy cream (fresh liquid) | 150g |
| Powdered sugar | 30g |
| Vanilla bean (for Chantilly) | ½ bean |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Craquelin (Topping):
- Start by preparing the craquelin topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter and granulated sugar. Use your hands to work the ingredients together until you get a smooth, uniform dough.
- Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- After the dough has chilled, roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper until it reaches a thickness of about 2 mm. Using a small cookie cutter (approximately 3 cm in diameter), cut out 12 rounds of craquelin. Set these aside and keep them cool.
2. Prepare the Pâte à Choux (Choux Pastry):
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, whole milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the all-purpose flour. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Return the pan to low heat and continue stirring for another 2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly.
- Transfer the dough into a bowl and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and slightly sticky when ready.
3. Shape the Cream Puffs:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a pastry bag with a large round tip, pipe small mounds of dough (about 3 cm in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
- Place a piece of the chilled craquelin on top of each puff.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, allow the puffs to cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Chantilly Cream:
- In a clean mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream and powdered sugar.
- Use a whisk or an electric mixer to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks.
- Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the whipped cream, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Transfer the Chantilly cream into a pastry bag fitted with a large star-shaped nozzle.
5. Fill the Cream Puffs:
- Once the cream puffs have cooled, carefully cut the tops off each puff, leaving about ¾ of the way down.
- Pipe a generous swirl of Chantilly cream onto the bottom half of each puff.
- Fill a separate pastry bag with Nutella® and pipe a dollop of Nutella® onto the other half of the puff.
- Place the tops of the puffs back on the filled bases, gently pressing to secure.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Craquelin Cream Puffs immediately, or refrigerate them for up to an hour before serving for the freshest taste. These delightful treats are perfect for a special occasion or as a luxurious dessert to enjoy with friends and family.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 45mg |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
These elegant Craquelin Cream Puffs filled with Chantilly and Nutella® are sure to impress with their light, airy texture and rich, indulgent filling. The sweetness of the cream pairs beautifully with the smooth, hazelnut goodness of Nutella®, making each bite an irresistible delight. Perfect for any celebration, these little desserts are guaranteed to be a hit!
