Step 1

Set the oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Preheat to 425°F (218ºC). Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2

In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, add 1 cup of water, sugar, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and stir the mixture until the butter is fully melted, about 2 minutes.Turn off the heat and immediately add the flour. Vigorously stir with a large spoon (non-metal) until the flour is incorporated. Increase the heat to medium, constantly stir until it clumps together, about 4 to 5 minutes. The dough should look relatively dry and should just begin to leave a film on the saucepan.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle. Slowly stir on low speed (setting to cool to 130°F (54ºC) or just below, about 2 to 3 minutes. This prevents the eggs from curdling when added.

Step 4

Add eggs one at a time, mixing on medium-low speed (setting until each egg is fully incorporated, about 30 to 45 seconds per egg. Once 3 eggs are added, check to see if the dough pulls away from the bowl's sides in thick threads, it will not clear the bowl. It should be shiny but firm and not runny so that it’s easy to control when piped. If it’s still too thick, add the fourth egg and mix for 45 seconds.

Step 5

Add a large plain tip to a piping bag (Ateco 806). Option to lightly grease the inside of the pastry bag with cooking spray. This helps keep the sticky dough from clinging to the bag.Add the dough into the pastry bag. Pipe onto the sheet pan, creating a 2-inch circular ball. Pipe at least 2 inches apart from each other. They will expand to about 3 inches after baking.

Step 6

Add ¼ cup of water to a small bowl. Dip your finger in the water and flatten any tails left on the top when piping to create a smoother surface.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the tops and sides of each dough ball with the egg wash.

Step 8

Place the sheet trays in the upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Bake for 10 minutes at each temperature setting: 425°F (218ºC), 375°F (191ºC), 325°F (163ºC), 275°F (135ºC), 225°F (107ºC), 200°F (93ºC). Do not open the oven door! It will take about 60 to 70 minutes of total baking time.

Step 9

To check for doneness, break open one of the pastries. It should be as dry as possible on the inside and feel light in weight. If needed, continue to bake the pâte à choux at 200°F (93ºC). Transfer shells to a cooling rack. Cool completely and reserve until ready to fill.

Step 10

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the bowl. Whip the mixture on medium-low speed (setting until the cream is frothy with bubbles on the surface, about 1 minute.Increase the speed to medium-high (setting 8), whip until smooth, stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. If needed, continue to whip in 5-second intervals. Do not over whip, or the cream will become curdled.

Step 11

Working in batches, add the whipped cream in a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip (Ateco 824).

Step 12

Use a serrated knife to cut the shells in half to create a top and bottom.

Step 13

Evenly pipe whipped cream into the pastry bottoms. Gently place the lids on top of the cream.

Step 14

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of each cream puff. Serve immediately, or refrigerate, uncovered, if not eating within one hour.