ADVERTISEMENT
**Profiteroles Christmas Tree: A Show-Stopping Holiday Dessert**
In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delicious and festive dessert, step by step, along with some helpful tips for assembling and decorating your very own **Profiteroles Christmas Tree**.
—
Profiteroles, also known as cream puffs, are small, round pastries made from **choux pastry**. The dough is light and airy, and when baked, it puffs up to form hollow centers, making them perfect for filling with a variety of creamy fillings such as whipped cream, pastry cream, or ice cream. Profiteroles are a beloved treat in French cuisine and can be enjoyed on their own or used as a component in more elaborate desserts, like croquembouches or, in this case, a **Christmas tree**.
—
To make your Profiteroles Christmas Tree, you’ll need the following ingredients for both the **choux pastry** and the **fillings**:
#### **For the Cream Filling:**
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or for a richer filling, use half whipping cream, half mascarpone)
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: chocolate ganache, caramel sauce, or any desired topping for decorating
### **How to Make the Profiteroles**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry**
1. Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring **1 cup of water** and **1/2 cup of butter** to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to melt the butter.
3. Once the butter has melted, add **1 cup of all-purpose flour**, **1/4 teaspoon of salt**, and **1 tablespoon of sugar** to the saucepan all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth dough.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the dough to cool slightly for a minute or two.
5. Add **4 eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and shiny. You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer for this step.
6. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
—
### **How to Prepare the Cream Filling**