Home / Recipes / Homemade Cream Horns Recipe
ByLeslie KiszkaPostedUpdated
This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!
JUMP TO RECIPEJUMP TO VIDEO
5 from 19 votes
This recipe for cream horns makes delicate, flaky puff pastry cones filled with sweet whipped cream. No need to head to a bakery – this easy homemade cream horn recipe is easier to make than you might think! Pastry recipes don't have to be hard to make when you use frozen puff pastry as a shortcut.
![Homemade Cream Horns (1) Homemade Cream Horns (1)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-3.jpg)
Lisa said: “I’ve made these a couple of times now. I have to make double because we eat them so fast! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“
When I was growing upmy dad would sometimes pick up a package of cream horns at the grocery store and I considered that a special treat.
And frankly, I should have – considering it's sugar on top of sugar that I got to consume at breakfast.
Ever since I moved to New England, I've had a hell of a time evenfinding them in grocery stores. I've found places where I could order them from a bakery, but nothing that I could just grab and go. And it hurts my little sugar-loving heart, y'all. Hurts.
Thankfully, I've figured out how to make my own – and now you can, too!
What is the cream in cream horns made of?
It's a very simple recipe consisting of heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. The cream filling isn't too creamy, and it isn't too sweet.
What is the pastry for cream horns?
I gave up on making my own pastry and just went with store-bought puff pastry, but frankly I don't have an issue with that. The cream filling is what I was more concerned with.
The pastry isn't too flaky, but it also isn't too thick.
![Homemade Cream Horns (2) Homemade Cream Horns (2)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-19.jpg)
What is the difference between a cannoli and a cream horn?
Cream horns are a puff pastry filled with a sweetened whipped cream.
Cannolis have a fried pastry shell filled with a denser ricotta mixture.
Ingredients for puff pastry cream horns
- 1sheetfrozen puff pastry,thawed
- 1egg,room temperature (for an egg wash)
- 1cuppowdered sugar,divided
- 1cupheavy cream
- 1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
How to make cream horns
Making the pastry cones
![Homemade Cream Horns (3) Homemade Cream Horns (3)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-16.jpg)
Step 1: Take out a sheet of puff pastry to let it thaw enough that you can unfold it without it breaking apart. Once thawed, cut the pastry sheet crosswise into nine equal strips. Set aside.
![Homemade Cream Horns (4) Homemade Cream Horns (4)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-18.jpg)
Step 2: Spray 9 metal pastry cones with non-stick spray. Note:If you don't have pastry cones, make your own! Rip off 8-12″ long sheets of aluminum foil, fold in half, and roll each into a cone shape.
![Homemade Cream Horns (5) Homemade Cream Horns (5)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-14.jpg)
Step 3: Wind a strip of pastry around each cone, starting at the pointed end and making sure to overlap layers a little so that there aren't any gaps.
![Homemade Cream Horns (6) Homemade Cream Horns (6)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-17.jpg)
After you've reached the end of the pastry, gently press the end to the top layer of pastry to prevent it from popping off while baking.
![Homemade Cream Horns (7) Homemade Cream Horns (7)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-13.jpg)
Step 4: Place them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes so that they'll hold their shape while baking.
![Homemade Cream Horns (8) Homemade Cream Horns (8)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-10.jpg)
Step 5: Place each pastry, seam side down, 2-3″ apart on each baking sheet – remember, the pastries will expand as they bake and you don't want them to touch. I recommend placing 4 on one baking sheet and 5 on another, placing them on a diagonal across the baking sheets.
![Homemade Cream Horns (9) Homemade Cream Horns (9)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-11.jpg)
Step 6: Create an egg wash by whisking together one egg with a teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash to give them a nice golden brown sheen.
![Homemade Cream Horns (10) Homemade Cream Horns (10)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-9.jpg)
Step 7: Place 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a flour sifter or fine mesh sieve and coat the top of each pastry with a dusting of sugar.
![Homemade Cream Horns (11) Homemade Cream Horns (11)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-7-683x1024.jpg)
Step 8: Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on baking sheet with the metal forms still inside.
![Homemade Cream Horns (12) Homemade Cream Horns (12)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-8.jpg)
You'll notice the forms will have pushed out of the pastries just a bit, due to the expansion of the pastry as it baked.
How to make the cream horn filling
![Homemade Cream Horns (13) Homemade Cream Horns (13)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-5.jpg)
While the pastries are cooling, prepare the cream filling. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Add vanilla and remaining 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Whip until it forms stiff peaks. Taste test it and add more powdered sugar if you'd like it a little sweeter.
![Homemade Cream Horns (14) Homemade Cream Horns (14)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-4.jpg)
Once pastries are completely cooled, fill a piping bag with the cream and squeeze with firm pressure into the pastry cavities. If desired, top with a little powdered sugar or drizzled chocolate. Keep refrigerated and enjoy!
Yes, you have to let them chill!
What I came to realize is that I wasn't going to know if it worked with the pastry until I made the pastry, made the filling, and placed them in the fridge for a while.
I tried one before it went in the fridge to cool both the pastry and the filling, and something didn't seem right.
Then I tried another after it had been in there for a couple hours and it tasted perfect. It brought me right back to my childhood.
If I could have changed into Batman pajamas and sat down in front of the TV with one to watch The California Raisins, I would have.
How to store cream horns
You need to keep cream horns chilled, so they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the shell will start to get soft as it absorbs the cream filling.
Can you freeze cream horns?
Definitely! Place cream horns in single layers with parchment paper between them (optionally, also individually wrapped in plastic wrap) in a freezer-safe airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
They thaw relatively quickly at room temperature or in the fridge, within an hour or so.
![Homemade Cream Horns (15) Homemade Cream Horns (15)](https://i0.wp.com/stressbaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cream-horn-pastries-1.jpg)
Making DIY pastry cones
I've used aluminum foil to form cones that you'll use to form the pastry around by ripping off 8-12″ long sheets of aluminum foil, folding them in half, and rolling each into a cone shape.
But if you want to be legit about this pick up these pastry cones (affiliate link).
So much easier! It'll save you time and your sanity. You can also use pastry tubes, like you see used for cannolis.
FAQs
Can I make my own pastry cones?
Yes! I've used aluminum foil to form cones that you'll use to form the pastry around by ripping off 8-12″ long sheets of aluminum foil, folding them in half, and rolling each into a cone shape.
Can you freeze cream horns?
Definitely! Place cream horns in single layers with parchment paper between them (optionally, also individually wrapped in plastic wrap) in a freezer-safe airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. They thaw relatively quickly at room temperature or in the fridge, within an hour or so.
How to store cream horns
You need to keep cream horns chilled, so they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the shell will start to get soft as it absorbs the cream filling.
What is the difference between a cannoli and a cream horn?
Cream horns are a puff pastry filled with a sweetened whipped cream. Cannolis have a fried pastry shell filled with a denser ricotta mixture.
What is the cream in cream horns made of?
It's a very simple recipe consisting of heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. The cream filling isn't too creamy, and it isn't too sweet.
Leaving a comment and star rating is a great (and free) way to support Stress Baking. After you've enjoyed this recipe, click on the stars below and leave a comment to share your experience – thank you!
Homemade Cream Horns Recipe
4.69 from 19 votes
This recipe for cream horns makes delicate, flaky puff pastry cones filled with sweet whipped cream. No need to head to a bakery – this easy homemade cream horn recipe is easier to make than you might think! Pastry recipes don't have to be hard to make when you use frozen puff pastry as a shortcut.
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 9 cream horns
- ✓ Read the recipe beginning to end
- ✓ Check oven calibration
- ✓ Check expiration dates
- ✓ Properly measure ingredients
- ✓ Check butter temperature
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Pastry horns
Take out a sheet of puff pastry to let it thaw enough that you can unfold it without it breaking apart. Once thawed, cut the pastry sheet crosswise into nine equal strips. Set aside.
1 sheet (1) frozen puff pastry
Spray 9 metal pastry cones with non-stick spray.
Note: If you don't have pastry cones, make your own! Rip off 8-12" long sheets of aluminum foil, fold in half, and roll each into a cone shape.
Wind a strip of pastry around each cone, starting at the pointed end and making sure to overlap layers a little so that there aren't any gaps. After you've reached the end of the pastry, gentle press the end to the top layer of pastry to prevent it from popping off while baking. Place them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes so that they'll hold their shape while baking.
Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare two baking sheets with a non-stick silicone mats or parchment paper.
Place each pastry, seam side down, 2-3" apart on baking sheet – remember, the pastries will expand as they bake and you don't want them to touch. I recommend placing 4 on one baking sheet and 5 on another, placing them on a diagonal across the baking sheets.
Create an egg wash by whisking together one egg with a teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash to give them a nice golden brown sheen.
1 egg
Place 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a flour sifter or fine mesh sieve and coat the top of each pastry with a dusting of sugar.
1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on baking sheet with the metal forms still inside. You'll notice the forms will have pushed out of the pastries just a bit, due to the expansion of the pastry as it baked.
Cream filling
While the pastries are cooling, prepare the cream filling. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
Add vanilla and remaining 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Whip until it forms stiff peaks. Taste test it and add more powdered sugar if you'd like it a little sweeter.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
Once pastries are completely cooled, fill a piping bag with the cream and squeeze with firm pressure into the pastry cavities. If desired, top with a little powdered sugar or drizzled chocolate. Keep refrigerated and enjoy!
Video
Notes
I've used the aluminum foil method, but if you want to be legit about this pick up these pastry cones (affiliate link). So much easier!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is generated by an automatic API and does not take variations across specific brands into account. This information is provided as a general guideline and should not be treated as official calculations. Learn more here.
Recipe created by Leslie Kiszka
Related Posts
- Homemade Waffle Cones
- Easy Puff Pastry Pizza
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Easy Apple Strudel
- No Churn Homemade Americone Dream Ice Cream