sweetened cereal puffs

Delightful Sugar Puffs: A Sweet Indulgence

Transform your baking experience with these delightful sugar puffs, known as Chouquettes. Perfect for special occasions or just a treat for yourself, these airy pastries are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the cooking time, ingredients required, and a few essential tips to ensure your baking triumph!

Cooking Time

Preparation: 15 minutes

Bake: 20 to 35 minutes

Total: 35 to 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 6 tablespoons (90 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup (135 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Glaze

• 1 egg yolk whisked with 1 teaspoon of milk

For Toppings

• Pearl sugar or miniature chocolate chips

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

In a medium saucepan, combine water, salt, sugar, and butter. Heat the mixture while stirring until the butter melts. Once it has melted, take the pot off the heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth ball forms and separates from the sides of the pan.

Allow the dough to cool for about five minutes, then incorporate the eggs individually, beating well after each addition until the dough is shiny and smooth. (This dough can also be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours if you want to prepare ahead.)

Using two spoons, a piping bag with a wide tip, or a large cookie scoop, place walnut-sized dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.

If the dough seems a little loose, don't worry – the puffs will still turn out wonderfully. Brush the tops of the dough mounds with the egg glaze, then generously sprinkle with pearl sugar or chocolate chips, ensuring coverage for when they puff up and expand.

Bake for 20 to 35 minutes until the puffs achieve a beautiful golden color. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary; the visual cue of a bronzed finish is your guide more than the clock.

Storage Tips

These sugar puffs are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. If you must store them overnight in an airtight container, be aware that they may become soft and lose their toppings. To refresh them, simply reheat in the oven. Alternatively, you can freeze the unpiped dough for up to a month or store it in the fridge for a day before baking to suit your schedule.