Have you ever dreamed of capturing the silky smoothness of creme brûlée in a cookie? That’s exactly what these Creme Brûlée Cookies do—they’re my go-to treat when I want something indulgent yet easy to share at gatherings. I remember the first time I whipped up a batch; the crackly caramelized tops had everyone reaching for seconds before the oven even cooled down. In this article, I’ll walk you through making your own Creme Brûlée Cookies, blending that classic French dessert vibe with chewy, buttery cookie perfection.
What I love most about these Creme Brûlée Cookies is how they bring a fancy twist to everyday baking without needing a fancy torch right away—though trust me, it elevates them. If you’re a fan of coffee cake cookies or those espresso chocolate chip cookies, you’ll adore this creamy, crunchy combo. Let’s dive in and get you baking some magic in your kitchen today!
Key Takeaways:
- These Creme Brûlée Cookies combine creamy custard filling with a signature crackly sugar top for an irresistible dessert experience.
- Prep and bake in under an hour, perfect for last-minute cravings or parties.
- Rich vanilla and caramel notes make every bite taste like the classic dessert in cookie form.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure the perfect chewy texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the brûlée topping stays crisp if kept separate until serving.
Why You’ll Adore This Creme Brûlée Cookies
Indulgent Yet Simple: There’s something magical about biting into Creme Brûlée Cookies that feels like a gourmet treat from a fancy patisserie, but you made them at home. In my experience, the ease of assembly means even beginner bakers can shine. You’ll find yourself craving that creamy center more often than not.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a holiday cookie swap, these cookies steal the show every time. I’ve served them at book clubs and potlucks, and they always spark compliments. The versatility is what keeps me coming back to this recipe.
Customizable Flavor Burst: The base of these Creme Brûlée Cookies lets you play with add-ins like citrus zest or chocolate chips. It’s endlessly adaptable, which is why it’s one of my favorites. You can tweak it to match your mood or the season without much hassle.
Crowd-Pleasing Crunch: That signature brûlée crackle? It’s addictive and impressive. Friends often ask for the secret, but it’s just a quick torch or broil away. These cookies turn any gathering into a memorable event.
Essential Ingredients for Creme Brûlée Cookies
Unsalted Butter: The backbone of any great cookie, this softened butter creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. It carries the vanilla flavors beautifully and ensures the dough comes together without being too sticky. Without it, your Creme Brûlée Cookies wouldn’t have that rich, buttery essence that mimics the classic dessert’s indulgence.
Granulated Sugar and Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar provides structure and sweetness in the dough, while powdered sugar adds a silky smoothness for creaming. Together, they balance the custard filling’s richness without overpowering it. I’ve found using both keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Vanilla Extract and Heavy Cream: Vanilla is the soul of Creme Brûlée Cookies, infusing every layer with warm, aromatic notes that evoke the original custard. The heavy cream in the filling whips up light yet luxurious, creating a creamy contrast to the crisp exterior. It’s these ingredients that make the cookies feel elegant and homemade at once.
How to Make Creme Brûlée Cookies
Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined, then gradually incorporate the flour and salt to form a soft dough. In my experience, if the dough seems too sticky, a tablespoon of extra flour does the trick without drying it out. These Creme Brûlée Cookies rely on this base for their chewy centers, so don’t rush this step. Once done, wrap the dough in plastic and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This resting time makes shaping the cookies a breeze later on.
Bake the Cookie Bases
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them gently, and place them 2 inches apart on the sheets—the dough will spread as it bakes. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden, but the centers stay soft; overbaking leads to tough cookies, which nobody wants. As they cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, you’ll smell that buttery vanilla aroma wafting through your kitchen. Let them fully cool on a wire rack before adding the filling, or the custard might melt unevenly. Timing is everything here for that perfect texture.
Add the Custard Filling and Brûlée Topping
While the cookies cool, heat the heavy cream until simmering, then temper it into the beaten egg yolks mixed with sugar and vanilla to create a smooth custard. Spoon a small dollop of this warm custard onto each cookie base, spreading it slightly—it sets as it cools, mimicking the silky creme brûlée interior. For the signature crunch, sprinkle granulated sugar over the custard tops and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until bubbly and golden. If you don’t have a torch, pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. These Creme Brûlée Cookies are now ready to impress with their layered flavors. Pro tip: For an extra touch, inspired by lemon curd variations, add a hint of citrus zest to the custard.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the custard filling:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Creme Brûlée Cookies Instructions
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in egg yolk and vanilla, then mix in flour and salt to form dough.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F; scoop and roll dough into balls, bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool cookies completely.
- Heat cream; temper into egg yolk mixture with sugar and vanilla to make custard.
- Spoon custard onto cookies and let set.
- Sprinkle sugar on top and torch or broil to caramelize.
- Serve and enjoy your Creme Brûlée Cookies!
Pro Tips for the Best Creme Brûlée Cookies
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use softened butter and room-temp eggs for even mixing; it prevents lumps in your dough.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling firms the dough, helping cookies hold their shape and bake evenly.
Torch Technique: Keep the torch moving to avoid burning the sugar—aim for even bubbling all over.
You Must Know
- Creme Brûlée Cookies are best eaten the day they’re made for maximum crunch in the topping.
- The custard filling contains raw egg yolks tempered with hot cream, ensuring food safety.
- Yield: About 24 cookies, depending on size.
- Allergens: Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; not suitable for vegans without substitutions.
How to Store Creme Brûlée Cookies
To keep your Creme Brûlée Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—the custard stays creamy, but the topping might soften slightly. For longer storage, refrigerate in a single layer wrapped in plastic for up to 5 days, then let them come to room temp before serving to revive the textures. If reheating the brûlée top, a quick torch session works wonders without affecting the cookie base. Just avoid freezing, as the custard doesn’t thaw well.
Customizing Your Creme Brûlée Cookies
Feeling adventurous? Swap vanilla for almond extract in the custard for a nutty twist, or add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra decadence—these tweaks keep the essence of Creme Brûlée Cookies intact. If you’re avoiding dairy, try coconut cream in the filling for a vegan version that still delivers creaminess. For a citrusy spin, incorporate lemon zest, drawing from lemon crinkle cookies ideas. Experiment, but taste as you go to maintain that balanced sweetness.
What to Serve with Creme Brûlée Cookies
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea to complement the vanilla notes, or go bold with espresso for a café vibe. For a light contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad— the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. If it’s a dessert spread, add some homemade biscuits on the side for variety. They’re versatile enough for afternoon snacks or post-dinner treats.
Creme Brûlée Cookies
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.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 1/4 cups whole milk ((540 ml))
- 02 6 egg yolks
- 03 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated white sugar ((225 g))
- 04 1/8 tsp salt
- 05 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- 06 3 1/2 tbsp cornstarch ((28 g))
- 07 3 tbsp unsalted butter ((42 g), cut in cubes)
- 08 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ((313 g), spooned and leveled)
- 09 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 10 1/2 tsp salt
- 11 1 1/4 cup granulated white sugar ((250 g))
- 12 1 cup unsalted butter ((224 g), softened)
- 13 1 egg
- 14 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- 15 1/2 cup granulated white sugar ((100 g) for rolling the dough in)
- 16 1/2 cup granulated white sugar ((100 g) for the brulee topping)
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creme Brûlée Cookies
Can I make Creme Brûlée Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and bake the bases a day in advance, storing them in an airtight container. Assemble the custard and brûlée topping just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. This method saves time without sacrificing flavor.
How long does Creme Brûlée Cookies last in the fridge?
Your Creme Brûlée Cookies will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored properly in a sealed container. The custard holds up well, but the sugar top might lose some crispness—refresh it with a torch if needed. Always bring them to room temperature for the best taste.
Do I need a kitchen torch for these Creme Brûlée Cookies?
No, a torch isn’t essential; the broiler in your oven works fine for caramelizing the sugar—just watch closely to prevent burning. I’ve used both methods, and the broiler gives great results for beginners. It still creates that satisfying crackle everyone loves.
Can Creme Brûlée Cookies be frozen?
Freezing the baked cookies without the custard is possible for up to a month, but add the filling after thawing. The full assembled Creme Brûlée Cookies don’t freeze well due to the custard texture changing. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Are there gluten-free options for Creme Brûlée Cookies?
Absolutely, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, and the recipe holds up nicely. I’ve tested it, and the texture remains chewy. Just ensure your custard ingredients are gluten-free too.
How can I make vegan Creme Brûlée Cookies?
For vegan Creme Brûlée Cookies, use plant-based butter, aquafaba instead of egg yolks, and coconut cream for the filling— it mimics the richness beautifully. Sweeten with maple syrup if desired. The results are surprisingly close to the original.
Why are my Creme Brûlée Cookies spreading too much?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled enough or the butter was too warm—try chilling longer next time. Also, measure flour accurately to avoid a too-soft batter. A quick fix is baking on a cooler sheet.
What’s the calorie count for one Creme Brûlée Cookies?
Each cookie clocks in around 150-200 calories, depending on size, thanks to the butter and cream. They’re indulgent, so enjoy in moderation. For lighter versions, reduce sugar slightly without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Creme Brûlée Cookies have become a staple in my baking rotation, blending nostalgia with a touch of elegance that’s hard to beat. I hope this recipe inspires you to create some kitchen magic and share the joy with loved ones—what’s your favorite way to enjoy them? Give it a try this weekend; you won’t regret diving into that first creamy, crunchy bite.