In a saucepan, bring the water, butter, and vanilla to a boil.
Once boiling, add the flour and stir constantly until it forms a ball and leaves the side of the pot.
Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Adding Eggs
Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Baking
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. Aim for about 8 generous portions.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cream puffs are golden brown.
Step 4: Cooling
After baking, a pro tip: Insert a toothpick into one of the cream puffs to release steam. Then, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cream puffs cool in the oven; this will help prevent them from deflating.
Step 5: Filling
Once the cream puffs have cooled, carefully slice them in half.
Using a piping bag or a spoon, generously fill each cream puff with MOM’S FAMOUS FILLING.
To finish, you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for that extra touch of sweetness.