Pistachio Cream Puffs are delightful pastry treats filled with a rich and creamy pistachio-flavored filling. These light and airy choux pastry puffs are perfect for a special dessert or an elegant addition to any gathering!

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

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

For the Pistachio Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pistachio paste (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped pistachios
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Timing

Making Pistachio Cream Puffs takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat Water and Butter: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and cubed butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add Flour and Salt: Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the flour and salt until a dough forms. Return to low heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Pipe the Choux Puffs

1. Pipe the Dough: Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have risen. Do not open the oven door during baking. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Pistachio Cream Filling

1. Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add Pistachio Paste: Gently fold in the pistachio paste, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Fill the Cream Puffs

1. Fill Puffs: Once the choux pastry puffs are completely cool, use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side of each puff. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill them.
2. Pipe Filling: Pipe the pistachio cream filling into each puff until they are generously filled.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle the filled cream puffs with chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve your Pistachio Cream Puffs immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy these delightful treats with coffee or tea!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Pistachio Cream Puffs (per cream puff, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Cream Puff
Calories	150
Protein	3g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors of cream filling, such as chocolate or vanilla, by substituting the pistachio paste.
• Colorful Touch: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the pistachio cream for a more vibrant appearance.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the filled cream puffs for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Conclusion

Pistachio Cream Puffs are a deliciously elegant dessert that combines the lightness of choux pastry with the rich flavor of pistachio cream. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy this delightful recipe!