Cream-Puff Crack Buns (Choux au Craquelin)

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup water
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine flour, salt, butter, and water. Stir constantly until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggs, one at a time, until thoroughly combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and almonds. Set aside.
6. Remove buns from oven and sprinkle with the sugar-almond mixture. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
7. In a medium bowl, combine cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until soft peaks form.
8. Remove buns from oven and allow to cool completely. Pipe cream mixture onto buns and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

• Choux pastry dates back to 16th century France.
• Craquelin is a popular French pastry topping.
• Cream puffs are a popular French dessert.