Mini Eclairs

Short Description

Mini eclairs are delightful bite-sized pastries made from airy choux dough, filled with luscious cream, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. These elegant treats are perfect for parties, dessert platters, or an indulgent afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini eclairs are not only charming and elegant, but they’re also easy to make and customize. Their small size makes them ideal for serving to guests, and they offer the same creamy, chocolate-topped goodness as classic eclairs in a more manageable form. With versatile filling options and a make-ahead friendly structure, they’re a baker’s dream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the choux pastry
water
unsalted butter
all-purpose flour
salt
eggs

For the filling
pastry cream or
stabilized whipped cream or
instant pudding folded into whipped cream

For the chocolate glaze
semi-sweet or dark chocolate
heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

3. Allow the dough to cool slightly, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy.

4. Transfer the dough to a piping bag and pipe small, uniform logs or mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

6. Let the pastry shells cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Prepare your filling of choice—pastry cream, stabilized whipped cream, or a pudding-cream mixture.

8. Fill a clean piping bag with the cream and pipe into each shell through a small hole or by slicing the shell in half.

9. Make the chocolate glaze by gently heating cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.

10. Dip the tops of the filled eclairs into the glaze and let set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 36 to 48 mini eclairs
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling and Filling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Use flavored pastry creams like coffee, chocolate, or fruit-infused for unique fillings.

• Dip the tops in white chocolate or caramel glaze instead of traditional chocolate.

• Add a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with contrasting chocolate for decoration.

• Use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives for a non-dairy version.

Storage / Reheating

Unfilled pastry shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. To crisp before filling, reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Filled eclairs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days for best texture. Glazed eclairs should be kept chilled and are best served the same day.

FAQs

What is choux pastry?

Choux pastry is a light dough made with water, butter, flour, and eggs. It puffs up in the oven, creating a hollow center ideal for filling.

Can I make mini eclairs ahead of time?

Yes. The pastry shells can be made in advance and stored or frozen. Fill and glaze them shortly before serving for the best texture.

Why did my eclairs deflate?

They may have been underbaked or removed from the oven too soon. Be sure to bake thoroughly and cool slowly.

What is the best filling for mini eclairs?

Classic pastry cream is traditional, but whipped cream, mousse, or instant pudding mixtures also work well.

Can I freeze mini eclairs?

You can freeze the unfilled shells. It’s not recommended to freeze filled and glazed eclairs as the texture can suffer.

How do I get the glaze to set?

Allow the glaze to cool slightly before dipping and then let the dipped eclairs sit at room temperature or in the fridge to set.

What size should I pipe mini eclairs?

Pipe about 2- to 3-inch logs or 1-inch mounds for true mini size. Uniformity helps ensure even baking.

Can I make gluten-free mini eclairs?

Yes, by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.

How do I fill the eclairs cleanly?

Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Insert into the side or bottom of the eclair and fill until slightly heavy.

Can I use milk chocolate for the glaze?

Yes, though semi-sweet or dark chocolate offers a more balanced flavor. Adjust sweetness to your preference.

Conclusion

Mini eclairs are a sophisticated yet approachable treat that bring classic French patisserie to your kitchen. With a crisp shell, creamy filling, and luxurious glaze, they’re sure to impress guests or satisfy your own sweet cravings. Mastering them is easier than it seems, and once you do, they’ll become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.