Festive Reindeer Cream Puffs

Get ready to add a touch of whimsy and holiday magic to your dessert table with Reindeer Cream Puffs! These adorable and delectable treats will capture the hearts of young and old alike. Picture delicate cream puffs filled with a luscious vanilla pastry cream, adorned with chocolate antlers and cute reindeer faces. With their irresistible charm and delicious flavors, these Reindeer Cream Puffs will be the star of your festive gatherings. Let's dive into the enchanting world of Reindeer Cream Puffs and discover the ingredients and steps to create these whimsical delights.

Equipment 

• Cookie Sheet 13" x 19" (OR Aluminized Steel Cookie Sheet, Commercial Grade Pure Aluminum Cookie Sheet, Cookie Sheet 13", 15", 17")
• 2-1 Scraper & Spatula 10"
• Brush and Spatula Set
• 4pcs Measuring Cups with Scraper
• Mixing Bowls
• Reusable Piping Bag and Tips
• Whisk (Silicone or Stainless Steel)

Ingredients:
For Pastry Cream:

• 1 tablespoon flour
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Ground cloves (a pinch)
• Kosher salt (a pinch)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Cream Puffs:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, in pieces
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Decorating:

• Melted dark chocolate
• Nonpareils
• Small round red candies for the nose
• Vanilla buttercream

Ingredients:
For Pastry Cream:

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch ground cloves
• Pinch kosher salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Cream Puffs:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs

For Decorating:

• Melted dark chocolate
• White nonpareils
• Small round candies
• Vanilla buttercream

Directions:

1. Begin by preparing the pastry cream. Gently heat the whole milk and heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cloves, and kosher salt. Add the egg yolks and whisk until well combined. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the warm milk mixture.

3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until it thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract. Strain the pastry cream, cover with parchment paper, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

4. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in all-purpose flour and ground cinnamon.

5. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan. Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough is smooth and shiny.

6. Spoon the dough into a resealable bag and pipe 1-inch mounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on the baking sheets.

7. Fill the cooled cream puffs with the chilled pastry cream by piping it into the center from the bottom.

8. Create reindeer decorations by piping melted dark chocolate onto silicone baking mats or parchment paper for antlers. Use melted milk chocolate to decorate the tops as reindeer heads and eyes. Add white nonpareils for spots and small round candies for noses.

9. Finish by piping vanilla buttercream onto the cream puffs to create ears.

10. Serve and enjoy the whimsical Reindeer Cream Puffs, spreading joy and creating magical moments during the holiday season.