These are my most popular cookies. I usually make at least 500 of these at Christmas. It’s a very simple recipe but full of great taste!




Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 1 cup (250 ml) water

  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled

  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries), chopped

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

  • Optional: melted chocolate or berry sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Heat over medium-high until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.

  3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan (about 1-2 minutes).

  4. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.

  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

  6. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry balls are puffed and golden. Avoid opening the oven door while baking.

  8. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the Filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

  2. Gently fold in the chopped berries.

3. Assemble the Pastry Balls:

  1. Once the pastry balls have cooled, use a serrated knife to slice them in half horizontally.

  2. Fill the bottom half of each pastry ball with the berry cream mixture.

  3. Replace the top half of the pastry ball to form a sandwich.

4. Add the Finishing Touches:

  1. Dust the filled pastry balls with powdered sugar.

  2. Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate or berry sauce over the top for extra flavor and presentation.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. These pastries are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special gathering.

Tips for Success

  • For a firmer pastry shell, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.

  • Chill the cream and mixing bowl in the refrigerator before whipping to achieve better consistency.

  • Use a piping bag with a star tip for an elegant presentation of the filling.

Indulge in these irresistible cream and berry-filled pastry balls, a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!