Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, buttery cookie that encapsulates the essence of classic crème brûlée. With a crisp caramelized sugar topping and soft, creamy filling, these Creme Brulee Cookies are the perfect union of flavors. After multiple tests in my kitchen, experimenting with textures and balancing sweetness, I’ve honed this recipe to delight your palate. If you’re looking for another delicious dessert, check out my Blueberry Protein Muffins for a wholesome snack option.
About Creme Brulee Cookies
These unique cookies offer everything you love about traditional crème brûlée, beautifully wrapped in a convenient cookie form. Inspired by my passion for baking and a quest to recreate a popular dessert, I spent weeks perfecting them. This recipe is not just for fellow baking enthusiasts but also for families looking to make delightful treats together. The combination of the creamy center and the crackling sugar topping makes for a delightful experience any time of year.
- Quick prep time means they’re perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Budget-friendly ingredients add up to a delightful dessert without breaking the bank.
- Appeals to family members of all ages—making them a beloved treat for everyone.
- Whether served at a special gathering or just because, these cookies have a versatile appeal.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Butter: Provides a rich base and soft texture; use unsalted for better control over sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture; consider dark brown for a more robust flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for achieving that beautiful caramelized topping; finer sugar can yield better results.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy filling; softening before use ensures smooth mixing.
How to Make Creme Brulee Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a stand mixer, cream softened butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla extract and egg; mix until well combined, ensuring a smooth batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, then gradually incorporate into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Using a small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheets, slightly flattening each ball with your hand.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set; let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting by beating together cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting on each cookie, then gently dip them into granulated sugar to coat the frosting.
- Caramelize the sugar topping with a kitchen torch, allowing to cool before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- When creaming butter and sugar, aim for a pale color and fluffy texture, which is key for light cookies.
- If your cookies puff up too much during baking, try slightly flattening them more before placing them in the oven.
- Feel free to incorporate different flavors; try almond extract for a twist on the standard vanilla.
- Doubling the recipe is easy; simply use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store your Creme Brulee Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. I found that chilling them enhances the flavors beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a light fruit salad or a cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. Pair them with my Garlic Bread to make your dessert table shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I store leftover Creme Brulee Cookies? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, they freeze well for up to 2 months.
- What if I don’t have a kitchen torch? You can broil the cookies in an oven for a few seconds to caramelize the sugar, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Can I use other flavors for the frosting? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- How do I make the dough ahead of time? You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope my take on Creme Brulee Cookies brings joy to your kitchen as it has in mine! There’s something genuinely gratifying about crafting a dessert that combines unique textures and flavors. Don’t hesitate to share your results and any twists you create along the way. Happy baking!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Caramel Pecan Logs – a delightful cookie contrast with creamy textures.
- Homemade Blueberry Protein Muffins – a sweet fruity companion featuring similar baking techniques.
- Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – a classic favorite perfect for creating decadent flavors.
- Homemade Macarons – another delicious dessert showcasing delicate sweet flavors.
I’ve been using the CAROTE 44-piece cookware set for my recipes, and it’s been amazing. The nonstick coating works beautifully, heats evenly on induction, and cleans up fast. The elegant design, sturdy handles, and included knives make it a complete, reliable kitchen upgrade.
Crème Brûlée Cookies
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for dipping the cookies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer beat the butter and sugars together until fluffy.
- Next, add in the vanilla and egg and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl add in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt and whisk together.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Using a small cookie scoop, place tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto your prepared cookie sheets. Press down each cookie dough ball to flatten ever so slightly.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are slightly golden brown then remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl beat the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Next, in a small separate bowl add in the granulated sugar. Then, spread about 1 tablespoon of frosting over each cookie and then press the cookie into the bowl of granulated sugar so that the sugar sticks to the frosting.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar on top, set aside to cool, then serve and enjoy!