National Cream Puff Day

National Cream Puff Day is dedicated to everyone who loves this airy dessert that melts in your mouth. Chefs around the world still debate its origins, but that hardly matters now! The most important thing today is to enjoy this sweet treat—and, of course, to share it with friends.

History

The most popular story about the origin of the cream puff leads us to 16th-century France and the court of Queen Catherine de’ Medici. While the idea wasn’t hers, the royal cooks created a masterpiece dessert to add sophistication to the queen’s table. She loved it so much that she asked them to prepare it not only for celebrations but for ordinary days, too. It’s no wonder this dessert has its own national holiday.

The modern cream puff as we know it appeared only in the early 19th century, credited to Antoine Carême, who is still regarded as a founder of modern cuisine. Carême reimagined the original by filling small pastries with custard. Whipped cream fillings also became popular.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that this dessert:

• Can be made savory or sweet—it all depends on the filling, so creativity knows no bounds;
• Looks similar to éclairs, but the traditional cream puff is round, not elongated;
• Is made with dough that has a neutral flavor at first;
• Had its first printed recipe published in an international cookbook in 1827 in the United States;
• Is a test of a chef’s skill—making perfect cream puffs requires patience and practice.

How to Take Part

On National Cream Puff Day, pick up some fresh cream puffs, invite your friends, and enjoy a festive get-together. Want to make it special? Try baking them yourself—check out some recipes, and if you need a hand, ask your family to join in.

When is National Cream Puff Day in 2026?

National Cream Puff Day is observed on January 2 each year.

Observations