Chouquette

Amazingly tender and extremely light, chouquettes are airy pâte à choux pastry puffs studded with the so-called sucre perlé (lit. pearl sugar); coarse sugar crystals which hold both their shape and crunch when baked. Chouquettes are basically profiterole shells and fall into the category of viennoiseries or, more precisely, pâtisseries viennoises. These Viennese-style baked goods are found in bakery shops throughout the country and are traditionally consumed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack known as le goûter. Best enjoyed freshly baked, while they're still perfectly puffed, golden, and crisp, chouquettes make for a great accompaniment to a nice cup of coffee or tea.