Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking. This will also help prevent the pastry from sticking to the sheet as it bakes.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Once the puff pastry sheet is thawed, use a round cutter to slice the dough into small circles. Arrange these circles on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly apart. To prevent the pastry from puffing too much, gently prick each circle with a fork. This will allow steam to escape and help the pastry cook more evenly.
3. Bake the Pastry: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. The pastry should puff up beautifully during baking, creating a light, flaky texture. Once done, remove from the oven and let the pastry cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Make the Custard Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken. This process should take about 5 minutes.
5. Temper the Egg Yolks: While the milk mixture is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This step is essential to avoid scrambling the eggs. Once the yolks are tempered, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the hot milk mixture.
6. Cook the Custard: Return the saucepan to the heat and continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard is thickened and smooth. This will take about 5 more minutes. Once the custard has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
7. Finish the Custard: Stir in the vanilla extract and unsalted butter until fully combined. The butter adds richness and gives the custard a silky texture. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (making sure the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
8. Assemble the Cream Puffs: Once the custard is chilled and the puff pastry circles are completely cool, carefully slice each pastry in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe the chilled custard onto the bottom half of each pastry circle. Place the top half of the pastry over the custard to form a filled sandwich.
9. Serve with Elegance: Lightly dust the tops of the cream puffs with powdered sugar to give them a beautiful finish. These elegant treats can be served immediately, or you can chill them briefly for a cool, refreshing bite.
10. Enjoy: These Italian cream puffs are now ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for special occasions or a delightful family dessert. Their delicate, creamy filling and crisp pastry make them an irresistible treat.
    

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