Prepare the Choux PastryPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, and salt. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, then add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will appear lumpy at first but will smooth out with each egg. The final dough should be glossy and pipeable.
Shape the PastryTransfer the dough into a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 2 inches wide) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Use a damp fingertip to smooth out any peaks on the mounds to ensure even puffing.
Bake the PastryBake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and firm. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the pastries cool inside for 10 minutes to prevent deflation.
Transfer the pastries to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.
Prepare the Cream FillingIn a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Assemble the Cream PuffsOnce the pastries are cool, cut them in half horizontally with a serrated knife or poke a hole in the bottom. Pipe the whipped cream into the pastry shells using a clean piping bag.
Optionally, drizzle melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Serve and EnjoyServe immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.