Creme Brûlée Cookies

These creme brûlée cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, marrying the rich flavors of vanilla pastry cream with chewy, buttery sugar cookies. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties, these cookies stand out with their creamy filling and crunchy caramelized topping. You’ll love how they combine the best of both worlds—soft cookies infused with the luxurious essence of creme brûlée.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy vanilla and caramelized sugar creates a taste sensation that is simply delightful.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday party or an everyday indulgence.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies with ease.
• Crowd-Pleaser: They are sure to impress family and friends, making you the star of any gathering.
• Unique Presentation: The glossy top adds a touch of elegance that makes them visually stunning.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your creme brûlée cookies, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready helps streamline the process and makes it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without any mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a light and airy mixture for your pastry cream.
• Baking sheets: Provides even heat distribution while baking, ensuring perfectly cooked cookies.

Ingredients

These are the best creme brûlée cookies! They are chewy, buttery, soft sugar cookies with rich and creamy vanilla pastry cream topped with caramelized sugar.

For the Pastry Cream Filling

• 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 Cookie Dough

• 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)

this recipe

How to Make Creme Brûlée Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Cream

Start by heating the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Gradually add cornstarch to this mixture while whisking until fully combined. Slowly pour in the hot milk while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Step 2: Cook the Pastry Cream

Return this mixture back to the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens into a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and fold in cubed butter until melted. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

Step 3: Make Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla bean paste; mix well. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until combined.

Step 4: Assemble Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your pastry cream is chilled, scoop out portions of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Create an indentation in each dough ball using your thumb or a spoon and fill it with pastry cream before sealing it back up.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Roll each filled dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them back on the baking sheet. Bake for about nine minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 6: Caramelize Topping

After cooling slightly, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of each cookie. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown for that classic crème brûlée finish.

Enjoy your delicious homemade creme brûlée cookies!

How to Serve Creme Brûlée Cookies

Creme brûlée cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies offer versatile serving options.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair with coffee: The rich flavors of creme brûlée cookies complement a robust cup of coffee, enhancing the sweetness.
• Enjoy with tea: A soothing cup of herbal or black tea balances the sweetness and adds a comforting touch.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie platter: Arrange your creme brûlée cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other desserts for an appealing display.
• With fresh fruit: Serve with seasonal fruits like berries or sliced peaches to add freshness and color.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Ice cream filling: For an extra indulgent treat, sandwich your creme brûlée cookies with your favorite ice cream flavor, creating a delicious dessert experience.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Top with whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an airy texture and complements the creamy center of the cookies.

How to Perfect Creme Brûlée Cookies

To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your creme brûlée cookies, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold vanilla flavor: Use high-quality vanilla bean paste for a rich and authentic taste.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps create thicker cookies that hold their shape while baking.
• Correct oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking and avoid undercooked centers.
• Watch baking time: Bake until edges are golden but centers remain soft—this creates that perfect chewy texture.
• Brûlée topping technique: Sprinkle sugar evenly on top before caramelizing it to achieve an even crust.

Best Side Dishes for Creme Brûlée Cookies

Creme brûlée cookies can be complemented by various side dishes, enhancing your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies adds richness and decadence.
3. Fruit Sorbet: A scoop of lemon or raspberry sorbet provides a tangy balance to the sweet flavors.
4. Cheese Platter: Pairing with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese creates an interesting savory contrast.
5. Nut Medley: Roasted nuts add crunch and depth, making each bite more satisfying.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream serves as a perfect accompaniment for those who love creamy desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creme Brûlée Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Not using room temperature butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can cause dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients come together to keep them chewy and soft.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for shaping and baking. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Not measuring flour properly: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements.
• Under or overbaking: Baking times may vary based on your oven. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to ensure they remain soft yet fully cooked.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Creme Brûlée Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Creme Brûlée Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes to warm through without losing texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-second intervals, being careful not to overheat as it can make them tough.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes until softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Creme Brûlée Cookies different from regular cookies?

These Creme Brûlée Cookies feature a creamy vanilla pastry cream filling, giving them a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from standard sugar cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. They should appear set but still slightly underbaked, as they will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.

Can I customize my Creme Brûlée Cookies?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for variation.

How do I caramelize the sugar topping?

Sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top of the cooled cookies and use a kitchen torch to melt it until bubbly and golden. Alternatively, you can broil them briefly in the oven, but watch closely!

Final Thoughts

These Creme Brûlée Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their chewy texture combined with rich vanilla flavors offers something special that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to try customizing them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Enjoy baking!

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Creme Brûlée Cookies

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Creme Brûlée Cookies, where classic dessert meets cookie perfection. These cookies feature a chewy, buttery exterior filled with rich, creamy vanilla pastry cream and topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. Ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or an elegant dinner party, these treats will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. With their unique combination of flavors and textures, each bite transports you to dessert heaven. Easy to prepare and stunningly presented, these Creme Brûlée Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated white sugar (divided)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 3 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar (for rolling)
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry cream: Heat whole milk until simmering. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, salt, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Gradually add cornstarch while whisking; temper with hot milk. Cook until thickened, remove from heat, fold in butter, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill for at least an hour.
2. Make the cookie dough: Beat softened butter with remaining sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. In another bowl, combine flour and salt; gradually incorporate into wet mixture.
3. Assemble cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets; create indents in each ball and fill with chilled pastry cream before sealing.
4. Bake: Roll each filled dough ball in sugar; bake for about 9 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
5. Caramelize topping: Sprinkle sugar on top of cookies and use a kitchen torch to achieve a golden crust.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (50g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure shaping ease. For variations, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts.