Ingredients
- 75g water
- 70g whole milk
- 75g unsalted butter
- 3g sugar
- 2g salt
- 100g all purpose flour
- 150-200g (3-4 large) eggs
Method
Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper
- Prepare a piping bag with a large plain tip
Make batter
- In a medium pot over medium heat:
- Combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally
- Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a spatula until dough comes together (1-2 minutes)
- Continue cooking and stirring until a film forms on the bottom of the pot (4-5 minutes)
- Transfer dough to a stand mixer bowl with paddle attachment
- Mix on low speed for 4-5 minutes to let off heat and steam
- Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next
- Chef Dominique cracks them all into a bowl and pours from that
- You may not need all the eggs—stop when the dough falls slowly in ribbons when lifted
- Transfer batter to the prepared piping bag
Pipe and bake
- Pipe into desired shapes on the parchment-lined sheet:
- Cream puffs: 11⁄2” rounds, 1” apart
- Éclairs: 5” long strips, 1” apart
- Rings: Pipe concentric circles using an 8” pan as a guide
- Brush with egg wash
- Bake at 375°F for 25-40 minutes, rotating pan halfway through
- They’re done when golden, light to the touch, and hollow in the center
- Let cool completely before filling
Notes
The number of eggs needed can vary. The dough should be thick but fluid enough to pipe. To check consistency, stick a spatula into the dough and lift it high - it should fall slowly in ribbons.
References