These Italian cream puffs are the perfect marriage of crisp, golden pastry and velvety custard. Puff pastry rounds are baked until light and flaky, then filled with a silky custard made from milk, egg yolks, and vanilla. Finished with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, they capture the essence of traditional Italian pastry—simple, refined, and irresistibly delicious.

Ideal for special occasions or as an elegant dessert to impress guests, each bite offers a balance of buttery pastry and smooth, sweet filling that feels timeless.

Italian Cream Puffs

Puff Pastry

Custard Filling

Steps

1. Bake the Pastry
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Cut puff pastry into circles with a round cutter. Arrange on sheet, prick lightly with a fork.
   • Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and flaky. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Custard
   • In a saucepan, whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add a little hot milk mixture to temper, then return to saucepan.
   • Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
   • Transfer custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Cream Puffs
   • Slice cooled pastry rounds in half horizontally.
   • Pipe or spoon custard onto bottom halves, then cap with top halves.
   • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

✨ Crisp, creamy, and elegant—these Italian Cream Puffs are a timeless dessert that always impresses.