Profiterole Dough

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. 2
   In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup water, the butter and salt.
3. 3
   Heat until the butter has melted and the water is boiling.
4. 4
   Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens up and begins to create a dough ball in the center of the pan and the dough is completely pulling away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.
5. 5
   Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
6. 6
   On low speed, add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl well after each addition and beating until the bowl feels cool (the mixture should be very smooth and silky).
7. 7
   Transfer the dough to a re-sealable plastic bag and cut about 1/2-inch off one corner.
8. 8
   Using this as a piping bag, pipe the mixture into the desired shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. 9
   Bake until golden brown and puffed, about 40 minutes.
10. 10
    Cook's Note: These pastries can be made a day or two ahead of time and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
11. 11
    If they feel soggy when you take them out, pop them into a 400 degree F oven for a couple of minutes until they crisp up again.
12. 12
    Allow them to cool before filling.