Creme Brûlée Cookies

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the elegance of classic creme brûlée with the comfort of cookies, you’ve landed in the right place! These Creme Brûlée Cookies are truly something special. They capture that creamy, rich vanilla flavor we all adore, wrapped up in a chewy, buttery cookie. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your home.

Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at your next get-together, these cookies deliver deliciousness with every bite. You’ll love how easy they are to make while still feeling fancy enough for special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: These cookies offer the best of both worlds—the comforting texture of a cookie and the luxurious taste of creme brûlée.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall head over heels for these sweet treats. They’re perfect for sharing!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can whip up the dough ahead of time and bake whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making these cookies is a breeze—even for beginner bakers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create something wonderful in your kitchen. Gather the following to make your Creme Brûlée Cookies:

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 2 1/4 cups (540 ml) whole milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (225 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 3 1/2 tbsp (28 g) cornstarch
• 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, cut in cubes

For the Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup (250 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

For Rolling and Topping

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for rolling the dough in)
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for the brulee topping)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up with these fun variations:

• Add Some Spice: Try incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm twist.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Add mini chocolate chips to give each bite an extra layer of sweetness.
• Fruity Freshness: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a delightful fruity burst.

How to Make Creme Brûlée Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pastry Cream

Start by making the vanilla pastry cream. In a saucepan, combine whole milk and half of the granulated sugar over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, remaining sugar, salt, cornstarch, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Gradually add hot milk to this mixture while whisking constantly—this prevents curdling. Return it all to the saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until thickened, then remove from heat and add butter. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in an egg and vanilla bean paste until well combined. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt together before gradually adding to wet ingredients. Combine everything gently until just mixed.

Step 3: Assemble Your Cookies

Once your pastry cream is cool and your cookie dough is ready, it’s time to bring them together! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out portions of cookie dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make an indentation in each scoop and fill it with a generous dollop of pastry cream. Shape more dough around each filled cookie if desired.

Step 4: Bake Them Up!

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes or until golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, let them cool on wire racks.

Step 5: Create That Signature Brûlée Top

Before serving, sprinkle granulated sugar over each cookie’s cream filling generously. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden brown—a few seconds should do! Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying that crispy topping.

And there you have it—delicious Creme Brûlée Cookies that are sure to impress! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Creme Brûlée Cookies

Baking is a journey, and with these simple tips, you’ll create the most delightful creme brûlée cookies that will impress everyone!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality vanilla bean paste make a significant difference in flavor. They enhance the creamy richness of the pastry cream and give your cookies that authentic taste.
• Chill the dough: After mixing, chilling your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps solidify the butter, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape while baking. This step prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies that lose that delightful chewiness.
• Caramelize the sugar right before serving: For the best texture and flavor contrast, sprinkle sugar on top and torch just before serving. This ensures that the brulee layer is crisp and fresh!
• Experiment with flavors: While vanilla is classic, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract to your dough for a unique twist. It can elevate your cookies to a whole new level!

How to Serve Creme Brûlée Cookies

Serving these creme brûlée cookies is just as fun as making them! Their elegant appearance makes them perfect for special occasions or simply as a sweet treat after dinner.

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a pop of color and fresh acidity that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint not only adds visual appeal but also offers a refreshing aroma that complements the rich flavors.
• Chocolate drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate can provide an extra layer of decadence that many chocolate lovers will appreciate.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold, plus it pairs beautifully with their rich flavors.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brings brightness to your dessert spread. The freshness cuts through the richness of the cookies perfectly.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavor profile and makes for an indulgent experience.
• Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served on the side for those who enjoy an extra creamy touch with their dessert.

Enjoy these tips and serving suggestions to maximize your experience with creme brûlée cookies! They are sure to become a favorite treat for you and your loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Creme Brûlée Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time, ensuring you have a delightful treat ready at a moment’s notice.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to maintain their freshness longer, consider refrigerating them, but be aware they might lose some of their softness.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For the best texture, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but this may make them softer.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Creme Brûlée Cookies!

Can I use different flavors for my Creme Brûlée Cookies?

Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with other extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist.

How do I achieve the perfect brulee topping on my Creme Brûlée Cookies?

To get that signature crunchy sugar topping, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the cooled cookies and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until golden brown. Be sure to keep the torch moving to avoid burning!

Can I make Creme Brûlée Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce. However, keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Creme Brûlée Cookies as much as I do! Their chewy texture combined with rich pastry cream and that irresistible caramelized sugar makes them truly special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!