Crème Brûlée Cookies

If you love the creamy, caramelized flavor of classic crème brûlée, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Crème Brûlée Cookies. Imagine soft, buttery sugar cookies with a custard-like filling and a crispy, caramelized sugar topping that replicates the iconic brûlée effect. These cookies are a delightful twist on the beloved French dessert and are easy enough to make at home. Each bite has the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch, delivering a luxurious taste experience in a convenient cookie form.

These Crème Brûlée Cookies are ideal for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or even an indulgent weekend treat. They offer all the elements of a classic crème brûlée in a fun, handheld version, and with a few tips and tricks, they’re simple to make, even for beginner bakers. This guide will take you through each step of the process, from making a soft sugar cookie base to creating a creamy filling and caramelizing the sugar topping. Get ready to impress family and friends with these stunning, delicious cookies that bring the elegance of a French dessert to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique and Delicious: These cookies bring together the soft texture of sugar cookies with the creamy, caramelized elements of crème brûlée, offering a taste that’s both familiar and exciting.

Fun to Make: Caramelizing the sugar on top of each cookie adds a fun, interactive element to baking, making these cookies memorable and impressive.

Perfect for Special Occasions: With their beautiful presentation and rich flavor, these cookies are ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want to serve a standout dessert.

Creamy and Crunchy: The combination of soft cookie, creamy filling, and crispy brûlée topping creates a wonderful contrast of textures in each bite.

Easy to Customize: You can adjust the flavoring in the custard filling or try different types of sugar for caramelizing to suit your taste.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Chill time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Yield: Makes 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Custard Filling:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

For the Brûlée Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or raw sugar for a crunchier topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft, tender cookie.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will give the cookies structure and help them rise slightly.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into cookies and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. This mixture will form the creamy center of each cookie, mimicking the custard in traditional crème brûlée.
2. Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Add the egg yolk and vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) to the cream cheese mixture, blending until smooth and well combined.
3. Set Aside the Filling: Once the filling is smooth and creamy, set it aside. You’ll spoon a small amount into the center of each cookie before baking.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Form the Cookie Balls: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop the chilled dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press an indentation into the center of each cookie. This indentation will hold the custard filling, so make sure it’s deep enough to contain about 1/2 teaspoon of filling.
4. Fill with Custard: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the custard filling into the indentation in each cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spread slightly during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just beginning to turn golden. The cookies should be soft in the center but firm around the edges.
2. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The filling will set as the cookies cool.

Step 5: Brûlée the Topping

1. Sprinkle Sugar on Top: Once the cookies are completely cool, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated or raw sugar over the custard filling on each cookie. The sugar will caramelize to form the classic brûlée topping.
2. Caramelize the Sugar: Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar on top of each cookie. Hold the torch a few inches from the sugar and move it in small circles until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can briefly place the cookies under the broiler in your oven, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
3. Let the Topping Set: Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden for a minute or two, forming a crispy brûlée layer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Cookies: Serve the Crème Brûlée Cookies immediately after caramelizing the sugar for the best texture. The contrast between the creamy custard filling and the crispy caramelized topping is most pronounced when fresh.
2. Store Leftovers: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The brûlée topping may soften slightly over time, but the cookies will still be delicious.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cookies

Crème Brûlée Cookies are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other treats:

• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as a standout dessert at parties, gatherings, or family dinners. They’re sure to impress guests with their beautiful presentation and unique flavor.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair the cookies with coffee, espresso, or tea for an elegant afternoon treat or after-dinner dessert.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve the cookies with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a burst of freshness that complements the creamy custard filling.
• As Part of a Cookie Platter: These cookies are a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie platter, adding a touch of sophistication alongside classic favorites.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese mix more easily, resulting in a smoother cookie dough and custard filling.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes before shaping helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, creating a thicker, softer cookie.
3. Caramelize Just Before Serving: For the crispiest topping, caramelize the sugar just before serving. This ensures the topping stays crunchy and contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
4. Use a Kitchen Torch: A kitchen torch is the best tool for caramelizing the sugar topping, as it provides more control. If using a broiler, watch carefully to avoid burning.
5. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard filling for a warm, spiced twist. A hint of citrus zest can also add brightness to the flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Crème Brûlée Cookies: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist that pairs well with the custard filling.
2. Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard filling for a citrusy note that complements the creamy texture and caramelized topping.
3. Espresso Crème Brûlée Cookies: Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cookie dough for a coffee-flavored version that pairs wonderfully with the custard and caramel.
4. Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée Cookies: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the brûlée topping after caramelizing for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
5. Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Cookies: Use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract for a richer vanilla flavor and beautiful specks in the filling.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, enjoy within 1-2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies without the brûlée topping. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and caramelize the topping before serving.
• Reheating: If you’d like to crisp up the brûlée topping again, use a kitchen torch briefly before serving.

Special Equipment

• Kitchen Torch: A kitchen torch is ideal for caramelizing the sugar topping on each cookie, creating an even, golden-brown crust.
• Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps you portion the dough evenly, ensuring each cookie is the same size.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies without a kitchen torch?
Yes, you can caramelize the sugar topping under the broiler in your oven. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and watch closely to prevent burning.

2. Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought sugar cookie dough as a shortcut. Just make the custard filling and brûlée topping as directed.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading excessively, resulting in thicker, softer cookies.

5. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the filling?
Mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese, though it will give the filling a slightly different texture.

Conclusion

These Crème Brûlée Cookies are a delightful fusion of a classic French dessert and a favorite cookie, offering all the creamy, caramelized flavors of crème brûlée in a convenient handheld form. With a soft sugar cookie base, a creamy custard filling, and a crispy, caramelized sugar topping, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Serve them with coffee, add them to a dessert spread, or enjoy them on their own for a truly luxurious treat. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable options, this recipe brings a gourmet touch to your baking, making these cookies a memorable addition to any table. Enjoy making and sharing these incredible Crème Brûlée Cookies!

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