Light, airy cream puffs filled with whipped cream or custard are a delicate, family-favorite French-American pastry. These golden, puffed shells are a celebration of simple, elegant baking.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, 1 stick unsalted butter, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt; bring to a gentle simmer until butter melts completely.
Add 1 cup flour all at once and stir quickly with a wooden spoon until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides, about 2 minutes; continue stirring to prevent burning.
Remove from heat. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, until the dough is glossy and holds a slight peak.
Use a spoon or piping bag to portion dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake 20–25 minutes more until puffed and golden.
Cool completely on a wire rack to maintain crispness. Meanwhile, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Split each puff with a sharp knife, gently fill with whipped cream, and replace the tops just before serving to preserve texture.