Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dough
In a medium pot, bring water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil. Once it forms a ball, quickly whisk in the flour until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Incorporate Eggs
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.

4. Pipe the Dough
Spoon the dough into 4-inch-long strips on the prepared baking sheet using a piping bag.

5. Bake
Bake the eclairs at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 25 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack.

6. Prepare the Filling
Whip 1 cup heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence until firm peaks form. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and pipe it into the cooled eclairs.

7. Make the Chocolate Glaze
In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate chips until smooth.

8. Glaze the Eclairs
Dip the tops of each eclair into the chocolate glaze and set aside to cool and set.

Tips and Variations

Mocha Twist: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate glaze for a delightful mocha flavor.

Flavorful Fillings: Experiment with almond or orange extracts in the cream filling.

Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts or toffee pieces on the glaze before it sets for added texture.