Chocolate Green Tea Cream Puffs offer a delightful fusion of flavors that are both unique and indulgent. Combining the rich, velvety taste of chocolate with the subtle, earthy notes of green tea, these cream puffs provide a gourmet twist on a classic pastry. Perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or simply as a treat to impress your family and friends, this recipe showcases a perfect balance of sweetness and sophistication.
Cream puffs, also known as profiteroles, are made from choux pastry, a light and airy dough that puffs up beautifully when baked. Filled with a luscious cream made from chocolate and green tea, these pastries are sure to become a favorite. The recipe involves creating a perfect choux pastry shell and a decadent cream filling, making it a fun and rewarding baking project.
Ingredients for Chocolate Green Tea Cream Puffs
For the Choux Pastry:
- Water: 1 cup
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Large Eggs: 4
For the Chocolate Green Tea Cream Filling:
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Whole Milk: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Egg Yolks: 4
- Green Tea Powder (Matcha): 1 tablespoon
- Bittersweet Chocolate: 4 ounces, chopped
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
For Garnish (optional):
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting
- Matcha Powder: For dusting
- Chocolate Shavings: For decoration
How to Make Chocolate Green Tea Cream Puffs
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter is fully melted.
Step 3: Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
Step 5: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and slightly thick.
Step 6: Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip or a spoon, pipe or spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, creating 1-inch mounds spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the puffs to collapse.
Step 8: Remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Green Tea Cream Filling
Step 9: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and half of the granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
Step 10: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Step 11: Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
Step 12: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 13: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped bittersweet chocolate until fully melted and smooth.
Step 14: Dissolve the green tea powder in a small amount of hot water or milk, then add it to the chocolate mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Step 15: Stir in the vanilla extract. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
3. Assemble the Cream Puffs
Step 16: Once the cream puffs have cooled and the filling is chilled, use a serrated knife to cut the tops off the puffs or create a small hole in the side of each puff using a small knife or pastry tip.
Step 17: Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip or a small spoon with the chocolate green tea cream filling. Pipe the cream into the center of each puff, filling them generously.
Step 18: Replace the tops of the puffs, or if you cut them from the side, simply press the tops back into place.
Step 19: Optionally, dust the filled puffs with powdered sugar, matcha powder, and chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.
About the Main Ingredients
Green Tea Powder (Matcha): Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. It imparts a vibrant green color and a distinct, earthy flavor to baked goods and desserts. Rich in antioxidants, matcha adds both flavor and nutritional benefits to your cream puffs.
Bittersweet Chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate is used to create a rich and decadent filling for the cream puffs. Its deep chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the subtle notes of green tea. Choosing high-quality chocolate ensures a smooth and luscious cream.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These dairy products provide the creamy base for the filling. The combination of cream and milk creates a rich, smooth texture that complements the chocolate and green tea flavors.
Egg Yolks: Egg yolks contribute to the richness and thickness of the cream filling. They help to create a smooth, custard-like texture when combined with the other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour is a key ingredient in choux pastry, providing structure and stability. When combined with water and butter, it forms a dough that puffs up beautifully when baked.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the choux pastry. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe and ensures a balanced flavor.
Creating Chocolate Green Tea Cream Puffs is a rewarding baking experience that results in a delightful and sophisticated treat. The combination of chocolate and green tea in a light, airy pastry shell is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy these cream puffs as a special dessert or a luxurious snack!
