When baking cream puffs in the oven, there are a few visual and tactile cues to indicate when they are done. Here's what you can look for:
Golden Brown Color: Cream puffs should have a nice golden brown color when they are fully baked. This indicates that the outer shell has crisped up and achieved a desirable texture.
Puffed Appearance: Cream puffs should puff up and expand during baking. They should rise and maintain their shape, developing a hollow center. This is a good indication that they are baking properly.
Dry and Crisp Exterior: When touched lightly, the exterior of the cream puffs should feel dry and crisp. If they still seem soft or squishy, they likely need more time in the oven.
Hollow Sound: When tapped lightly on the bottom, fully baked cream puffs should sound hollow. This is another indication that the inside has cooked and set properly.
Keep in mind that the baking time can vary depending on the size of your cream puffs and the specific recipe you're using. It's generally recommended to follow the baking instructions provided in the recipe you're following and use the visual and tactile cues mentioned above as a guide.