Reese’s Peanut Butter Cream Puffs

Imagine biting into a light, fluffy puff filled with a rich, velvety peanut butter cream that tastes just like a Reese’s peanut butter cup. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not! These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cream Puffs are the perfect combination of indulgent, sweet, and savory flavors, all wrapped up in a delicate, airy pastry. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, and trust me, these puffs are going to become your new favorite treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet moment, these puffs will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cream Puffs

Here’s why you won’t be able to resist making these puffs again and again:

Decadent Flavor: The creamy, peanut-buttery filling is just like the inside of a Reese’s cup, but even better. It’s rich, smooth, and oh-so-delicious.

Light and Fluffy: The puff pastry is airy and golden, providing the perfect contrast to the rich filling. It’s like biting into a cloud of sweetness.

Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated! Making cream puffs might sound fancy, but they’re actually pretty simple with the right steps. The end result is totally worth it, and you’ll feel like a pastry chef!

Versatile: These puffs are great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal events. They’re sure to be the star of the dessert table.

Peanut Butter Lovers’ Dream: If you love peanut butter (and who doesn’t?), these cream puffs are an absolute must-try.

Ingredients

For the Cream Puff Pastry:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, creating a soft, pillowy texture once baked.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the pastry puff up nicely as it bakes.
• Water: To create steam in the dough, which makes the puffs rise perfectly.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the dough and giving it structure.
• Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the richness.

For the Peanut Butter Cream Filling:

• Peanut Butter: The star of the filling. Go for creamy peanut butter for a smooth, silky texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and tang, making the filling extra creamy.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the filling without making it too gritty.
• Heavy Cream: For that luscious, smooth consistency in the cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peanut butter.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: For a rich, indulgent topping that melts beautifully over the puffs.
• Heavy Cream: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives the ganache that glossy, smooth finish.
• Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and gives the ganache a silky texture.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from the heat and stir in the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
2. Shape and Bake the Puffs
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop or pipe small mounds of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door while baking, as the steam is necessary for the puffs to rise. Let the puffs cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the Peanut Butter Cream Filling
   While the puffs are cooling, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and well combined. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Slowly add the heavy cream and beat until the filling is light, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache
   In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Cream Puffs
   Once the puffs have cooled, carefully cut them in half horizontally. Spoon or pipe the peanut butter cream filling into the bottom half of each puff, then place the top half back on. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of each puff, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decadent look.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   These cream puffs are best enjoyed the day they’re made, while the pastry is still crisp and the filling is creamy. Serve them as a delightful treat at your next gathering, or indulge in one (or two!) for a sweet snack.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~250
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cream Puffs

• With a Cup of Coffee: These cream puffs pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
• As a Dessert for Special Occasions: Serve them at birthdays, parties, or holiday gatherings. Their impressive look and delicious taste will make them the star of the show.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the puff pastry and the peanut butter cream filling ahead of time. Store the pastry in an airtight container and the filling in the fridge until ready to assemble.
• Get Creative with the Filling: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the cream filling or even sprinkle in some chopped peanuts for a little extra crunch.
• Keep the Puffs Crisp: To maintain the crispiness of the puff pastry, avoid filling them too far in advance. It’s best to assemble them shortly before serving to keep them light and airy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the filling?
A1: Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture to the filling, which is a nice touch if you like a bit of crunch in your cream puffs.

Q2: Can I make the puff pastry ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the puff pastry ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Q3: How do I store leftover cream puffs?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, the pastry may become a little soggy, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q4: Can I freeze these cream puffs?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the unfilled cream puffs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. To serve, thaw them at room temperature and then fill with the peanut butter cream.

Q5: Can I use another type of nut butter in place of peanut butter?
A5: Absolutely! You can use almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will change, but it will still be delicious!

Q6: Can I make the chocolate ganache without butter?
A6: Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free ganache, you can use just heavy cream and chocolate. The butter adds extra richness, but it’s not essential.

Q7: What if I don’t have a piping bag for the cream filling?
A7: No problem! You can use a spoon to fill the puffs, or use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off as a makeshift piping bag.

Q8: Can I skip the ganache topping?
A8: You absolutely can! If you prefer a lighter version, the puffs are still delicious with just the peanut butter cream filling.

Q9: Can I make these without eggs?
A9: You can try using an egg substitute in the puff pastry, such as a flax egg or an egg replacer, but the texture may not be exactly the same.

Q10: Can I use a different kind of filling?
A10: Yes, you can experiment with different fillings like chocolate mousse, vanilla cream, or even fruit compote if you’re not in the mood for peanut butter!

Conclusion

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cream Puffs are an absolute treat that combines everything you love about peanut butter and chocolate, with the added bonus of being light, airy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or indulging in a sweet snack, these cream puffs will always hit the spot. Perfect for peanut butter lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, they’re sure to make any day feel a little more special! Enjoy every bite!

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