Creme Brûlée Cookies

Introduction

Why These Crème Brûlée Cookies are a Must-Try
There’s something truly magical about crème brûlée. The smooth, rich custard paired with that iconic crispy sugar topping is pure dessert perfection. But what if you could bring that same decadence into a cookie form? Enter these Crème Brûlée Cookies—an adorable, bite-sized take on the French classic. The flavor is creamy, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness, while the sugar topping provides that satisfying crack when you bite into them—just like the crème brûlée you know and love.

I first stumbled upon the idea for these cookies when I was trying to think of a way to combine two of my favorite things: cookies and crème brûlée. After a bit of experimenting, I managed to get the custard-like flavor just right and added a little magic with a crispy sugar crust that will have you hooked after the first bite. Now, these cookies are a staple at family gatherings and always get rave reviews. The best part? They’re so much easier to make than the actual crème brûlée, but the flavor? Just as delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Crème Brûlée Cookies

These cookies have so many reasons to love them:

• Flavor-packed: The flavor of the cookies is rich and buttery with a hint of vanilla and custard-like notes, making each bite a mini crème brûlée experience.
• Crispy caramelized sugar topping: Just like the classic crème brûlée, these cookies have that signature crispy, golden-brown sugar crust that cracks as you bite into them.
• Easy to make: No need for a kitchen torch or any fancy cooking skills. These cookies are easy to prepare, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat, a holiday celebration, or a fun family gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to wow your guests.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavor and fun texture. Plus, it’s a great recipe to make with little ones since they’ll love helping with the sugar topping!

The balance between the soft, chewy center and the crunchy sugar topping is what makes these cookies a true standout. Each bite feels like you’re indulging in something extra-special, yet it’s easy enough to enjoy on a regular day.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Servings: Makes about 20 cookies (depending on size)
• Calories per Serving: 150-200 calories per cookie (varies depending on size)

Ingredients

For these crème brûlée cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (to get that rich custard flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help thicken the dough and make it more cookie-like)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for that extra caramel-like flavor in the dough)

Ingredient Breakdown

• Butter: Gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and the caramelized sugar topping.
• Vanilla and almond extract: The vanilla provides that warm, comforting flavor, while the almond extract adds a subtle depth.
• Heavy cream: The key to achieving that crème brûlée custard-like taste in cookie form.
• Cornstarch: A simple trick to ensure the cookies have the perfect soft and chewy texture.
• Brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor, complementing the caramelized sugar topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Dough

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies tender.
• Add in the egg and beat until combined, then mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. These will give the dough that signature crème brûlée flavor.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help thicken the dough and give the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Brown Sugar

• Now for the crème brûlée magic! Add the heavy cream and brown sugar to the dough, stirring gently to combine. The cream is what gives these cookies that custard-like richness, while the brown sugar brings out caramel notes. The dough will be slightly soft and sticky, but that’s okay!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

• Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. If you skip this step, the cookies may spread too much.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

• Once the dough has chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
• Press each cookie dough ball lightly with your fingers to flatten it a bit. This helps them bake more evenly.

Step 6: Top with Sugar

• Before baking, generously sprinkle each cookie with a bit of granulated sugar. This will create that signature crispy sugar topping that mimics the crackling top of a crème brûlée.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will still be soft in the center, but that’s perfect! They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with that crispy sugar crust on top.

Step 8: Let Them Cool

• Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and gives you that perfect texture.

How to Serve

These Crème Brûlée Cookies are perfect on their own with a hot cup of tea or coffee, but they can also be served with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist on a classic crème brûlée.
• Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to balance the sweetness.
• A drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

These cookies would also make a great addition to any dessert platter or holiday cookie exchange. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or packing them for a cozy afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress!

Additional Tips

To ensure your Crème Brûlée Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips:

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much during baking.
• Use room temperature butter: This makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar together and creates a fluffier dough.
• Perfect sugar topping: Make sure to generously sprinkle the sugar on top before baking. This helps form that crisp caramelized crust that mimics crème brûlée.
• Don’t overbake: The cookies may seem soft when they come out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re just lightly golden around the edges.
• Use quality ingredients: Since the flavor of these cookies is so simple yet rich, use the best vanilla extract, butter, and heavy cream you can find for the best result.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize your Crème Brûlée Cookies:

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Just make sure to use a gluten-free baking powder as well.
• Vegan: For a dairy-free and egg-free option, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water). Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.
• Add-ins: Try adding chocolate chips or toasted coconut flakes to the dough for a unique twist. If you like a little more texture, a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the sugar crust adds a delicious contrast.
• Fruity variation: Add a spoonful of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy, refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Crème Brûlée Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can! These cookies store well and actually taste even better the next day. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can also freeze them. Just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for a few hours.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies, you can use margarine in a pinch. However, the taste and texture may be slightly different. Butter gives the cookies a rich, creamy flavor, while margarine can make them a bit less flavorful and may affect the texture. For the best results, I recommend sticking with butter if you can.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you want to prep the dough ahead of time, simply chill it for 30 minutes as directed and then cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as usual.

4. Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?

If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, it’s likely that the dough was too soft when it went into the oven. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to firm it up. Also, make sure your butter is at room temperature and not too warm when you’re mixing the dough, as this can also cause excessive spreading.

5. Can I use a sugar substitute for the topping?

If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for the topping. However, keep in mind that the texture of the caramelized sugar crust may not form the same way as with regular granulated sugar. If you’re looking for that classic crème brûlée crunch, it’s best to use regular sugar.

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Conclusion

These Crème Brûlée Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of the classic French dessert in a bite-sized treat. With their creamy, buttery texture and crispy, caramelized sugar topping, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie jar. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends—they’ll love the little surprise you’ve baked up!