Nutella Strawberries & Cream Puffs

There’s so much to adore about Nutella Strawberries & Cream Puffs. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

1. Light and Airy : The choux pastry creates a delicate, crisp shell that’s perfect for filling.
2. Decadent Fillings : The combination of Nutella, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries is pure indulgence.
3. Bite-Sized Perfection : Perfectly portioned for easy serving and snacking.
4. Customizable : Add toppings or experiment with flavors to make them uniquely yours.
5. Crowd-Pleasing : Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, everyone will love these sweet treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these cream puffs lies in their simple yet indulgent ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Nutella (or more, depending on preference)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and diced)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Chocolate drizzle
• Fresh mint leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up these decadent, bite-sized treats? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts completely.
2. Remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Return the pan to low heat and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry out the dough slightly. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Pipe and Bake the Puffs

1. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each puff for expansion.
2. Use a wet fingertip to smooth any peaks on the piped dough.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes , or until the puffs are golden brown and firm to the touch. Avoid opening the oven door while baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
4. Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Let the puffs sit in the oven for 5 minutes to dry out further. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold in the Nutella gently to create a marbled effect, or layer it separately for a more distinct flavor.
3. Dice the strawberries into small pieces and set aside.

Step 6: Assemble the Cream Puffs

1. Using a sharp knife or piping tip, cut a small hole in the bottom of each puff.
2. Fill a piping bag with the Nutella whipped cream and pipe the filling into the puffs. Alternatively, layer the whipped cream and diced strawberries inside the puffs for extra texture.
3. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant finish. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these bite-sized delights immediately for the freshest taste. Enjoy the light, airy pastry paired with the rich, creamy filling!

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