Dive into the delightful world of French baking with these Classic French Chouquettes. Perfectly light and airy, these choux pastry puffs are sprinkled generously with coarse sugar to create a delectable contrast of textures. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this straightforward recipe guides you to produce exquisite treats that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These chouquettes are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their golden puff and sparkling sugar crystals. The process of making choux pastry is satisfying and can be a wonderful introduction to French pastry techniques. Plus, their bite-size nature makes them perfect for sharing and snacking.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet snack during a family weekend. They are also fantastic for children’s parties or as a treat to brighten up any day. Serve them fresh for maximum enjoyment!
Decoration Tips:
While classic chouquettes are traditionally adorned with pearl sugar, you can also experiment by adding a light glaze or dusting them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. For a festive twist, sprinkle with edible glitter or colorful sugar just before baking.
Ingredients:
- 100g water
- 100g whole milk
- 80g butter, cut into small squares
- 2g salt
- 2g honey
- 5g granulated sugar
- 120g all-purpose flour
- 180g to 220g eggs, beaten (about 4 eggs)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, bring water, milk, butter, salt, honey, and granulated sugar to a boil.
- Remove from heat and immediately add all the flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spatula. Return to low heat and continue to stir for 5 minutes to dry out the dough.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate the beaten eggs in four additions, ensuring the dough remains firm yet slightly fluid; you might not need all the eggs.
- Using a piping bag, pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Sprinkle each with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 30 minutes, opening the oven door slightly two or three times to release steam and ensure a crisp texture.
- Bake one tray at a time to ensure even cooking.
Enjoy! Serve these delightful chouquettes as a charming snack or dessert, perfect for any occasion. Their crisp exterior and soft, airy interior make them an irresistible addition to any pastry collection.
