Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp grey sesame seeds (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp grey food coloring (optional, for visual harmony)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides (~1–2 min).
- Transfer dough to a bowl and cool 5 min. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Fold in grey sesame seeds.
- Spoon or pipe 12 small mounds (~1.5”) onto baking sheet. Lightly press each with a finger to create a gentle depression (helps even rising).
- Bake 15 min at 400°F, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake 15–20 min more until golden and crisp. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool inside 10 min.
- Cool completely. Pipe or inject vanilla-grey cream (whipped cream + sugar + vanilla + optional food Color) into each puff.
- Dust tops lightly with extra sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chill up to 4 hours.
Notes
- For authentic Ghibli vibe, use natural grey food coloring (activated charcoal + white vinegar) or skip it entirely for earthy color.
- Make sure eggs are at room temp to avoid lumping.
- Sesame seeds add great texture—but toast them first for deeper nuttiness: 325°F for 5–7 min.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 98 Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 62 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
