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Crème Brûlée Cookies

Crème Brûlée Cookies

Crème Brûlée Cookies offer a rich, creamy vanilla custard flavor with a delicate caramelized sugar crunch on top. This easy-to-bake recipe transforms the classic crème brûlée dessert into a soft, tender cookie with a signature brûlée topping, perfect for sharing or enjoying with coffee, tea, or ice cream.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Topping

  • Brown sugar, for caramelizing (about 1/4 cup)

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy, which sets the foundation for soft, tender cookies.
  2. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste, mixing well to bring in that rich, velvety custard flavor that defines the cookie.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt separately, then gradually fold them into the wet mixture to form a smooth cookie dough.
  4. Stir in Heavy Cream: Add the heavy cream slowly to the dough, ensuring it stays soft and creamy without becoming runny.
  5. Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake the chilled dough at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
  7. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each cooled cookie and carefully caramelize using a kitchen torch or oven broiler for that signature brûlée crunch.

Notes

  • Chill the dough well to prevent spreading and achieve perfectly shaped cookies.
  • Use real vanilla bean paste for richer flavor and authentic appearance with vanilla specks.
  • Spread the brown sugar thinly and evenly before caramelizing to avoid burnt spots.
  • Keep the torch flame moving quickly to melt sugar without overheating the cookie.
  • Do not overbake; slightly softer centers maintain moistness and tenderness after caramelizing.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Crème Brûlée Cookies, vanilla custard cookies, caramelized sugar cookies, crème brûlée dessert, easy cookie recipe, creamy cookies, vanilla cookies, brûléed sugar topping