Spiced Honey & Gruyère Gougères with Espelette Pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.

   ~5 min
3. 3

   Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

   ~1 min
4. 4

   Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes.

   ~3 min
5. 5

   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. The dough should hold its shape.

   ~5 min
6. 6

   Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese, honey, and Espelette pepper until evenly combined.

   ~1 min
7. 7

   Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1.5-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

   ~5 min
8. 8

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed up, golden brown, and firm. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking.

   ~25 min
9. 9

   Remove from oven and immediately pierce the side of each gougère with a knife to allow steam to escape. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

   ~1 min
10. 10

    Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.