Crème Brûlée Cookies

Cookies are a beloved treat around the world. They come in many flavors and forms, but few are as delightful as Crème Brûlée Cookies. Inspired by the classic French dessert, these cookies capture the rich and creamy taste of crème brûlée while being easy to make and indulge in. With a crispy caramelized sugar top and a soft, creamy center, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends.

Today, we will explore the steps to create these delicious treats. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and make some unforgettable cookies!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Crème Brûlée Cookies. First and foremost, they provide an exciting twist on the traditional cookie. If you love crème brûlée, you will enjoy everything about these cookies. Combining the creamy filling with the sweet, crunchy sugar on top makes for a unique combination that is hard to resist.

Additionally, these cookies are straightforward to prepare. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, even beginner bakers can follow along with ease. You do not need to be an expert in the kitchen to create something delicious.

Furthermore, they are perfect for sharing. Imagine serving these beautiful cookies to your guests at a party or family gathering. The caramelized layer on top will attract everyone’s attention, and the rich flavor will have them coming back for more.

Finally, this recipe allows you to flex your baking skills. You can impress your families and friends as they watch you use a kitchen torch to create the caramelized sugar topping. It adds an element of flair to your baking and makes the process even more enjoyable.

How to Make Crème Brûlée Cookies

Creating these cookies will be a fun and engaging experience. Follow these steps to make the best Crème Brûlée Cookies!

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vanilla pastry cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is critical so that your cookies bake evenly.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these ingredients first ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent, which helps the cookies rise properly.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, take 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, making your cookies soft.

4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined. The egg adds moisture and binds the ingredients together, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tough.

6. Incorporate Vanilla Pastry Cream: Carefully fold in 1/2 cup of vanilla pastry cream. This ingredient is the secret to achieving a deliciously creamy center. Be gentle to maintain the light texture.

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie because they will spread while baking.

8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden when they are done. Keep an eye on them so they do not over-bake.

9. Cool and Caramelize: Once the cookies have baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. After they cool, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each cookie. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard, glossy layer.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Your Crème Brûlée Cookies are now ready to be served! They will have a satisfying crunch whenever you take a bite, combined with a creamy filling.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cookies

Serving Crème Brûlée Cookies can be as simple or fancy as you like.

You can present them on a beautiful plate for a casual gathering. Place some cookies on a platter, and they will be ready for your guests to grab and enjoy.

For special occasions, consider adding a touch of elegance. Dust the cookies with a bit of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra treat.

Pair the cookies with coffee, tea, or milk. The warm flavors of these beverages will complement the rich taste of the cookies perfectly.

How to Store Crème Brûlée Cookies

To keep your Crème Brûlée Cookies fresh, proper storage is key. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them.

You can place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature, then caramelize the sugar layer before serving.

Tips to Make Crème Brûlée Cookies

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. Softened butter creams better with sugar, leading to a fluffier cookie.

• Measure Ingredients Carefully: Accurate measurements are essential in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision to achieve the best results.

• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the edges are golden to prevent overcooking.

• Caramelizing Sugar: When using the kitchen torch, move it back and forth to heat the sugar evenly and prevent burning. You want the sugar to melt and form a nice golden layer.

Variation

You can add different flavors to your Crème Brûlée Cookies to personalize them. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. A sprinkle of sea salt on the caramelized sugar can also enhance the flavor, balancing the sweetness.

You can also use flavored pastry cream. For example, try chocolate pastry cream or coffee-flavored pastry cream for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought vanilla pastry cream?

Yes, using store-bought vanilla pastry cream is a convenient option. Just ensure it is a high-quality product for the best flavor.

What if I do not have a kitchen torch?

If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle the sugar on top and place the cookies under the broiler for a few seconds. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to bake, scoop out the desired amount of dough and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

Now, you are ready to make and enjoy these fabulous Crème Brûlée Cookies! Happy baking!

Crème Brûlée Cookies

Delightful cookies inspired by the classic French dessert, featuring a crispy caramelized sugar top and a soft, creamy center.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: French

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vanilla pastry cream Can use store-bought for convenience.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
6. Carefully fold in the vanilla pastry cream.
7. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Caramelization

1. After cooling, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a hard, glossy layer.

Serving

1. Serve and enjoy your Crème Brûlée Cookies!

Notes

To store, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before caramelizing the sugar.