Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup water, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
• Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once and stir vigorously until a smooth ball forms.
• Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes.
• Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
• Using a spoon or piping bag, spoon or pipe rounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
• While the shells cool, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
• Once cooled, slice each cream puff in half and pipe in the whipped cream.
• Dust filled cream puffs with powdered sugar and add melted chocolate and candied zest if desired.