Creme Brûlée Cookies

These Creme Brûlée Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of vanilla pastry cream with a chewy sugar cookie base. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will wow your family and friends with their rich taste and impressive caramelized sugar topping. Each bite is buttery, soft, and simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: Experience the indulgent taste of creme brûlée in a cookie format.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll create delicious cookies without the need for complex techniques.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, a cozy gathering, or just an everyday treat, these cookies are always a hit.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite flavors or toppings for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make these luscious Creme Brûlée Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugar are creamed to perfection for a light texture.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet helps distribute heat evenly, allowing your cookies to bake uniformly.

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

• 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
• 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)

How to Make Creme Brûlée Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Cream

To start making your Creme Brûlée Cookies, you first need to prepare the vanilla pastry cream.
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and half of the sugar with salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, remaining sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
3. Gradually add hot milk mixture into egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
4. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cubed butter until smooth. Let cool.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Next, prepare your cookie dough while your pastry cream cools.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in egg and vanilla bean paste; mix until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble Cookies

Now it’s time to bring everything together!
1. Scoop out portions of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
2. Using your thumb or back of a spoon, create an indentation in each dough ball for filling.
3. Fill each indentation with cooled pastry cream.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Finish off by baking your cookies!
1. Bake in preheated oven for about 9 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
2. After removing from oven, let cool slightly before sprinkling each cookie with granulated sugar.

Step 5: Caramelize Sugar Topping

To achieve that signature brûlée effect:
1. Using a kitchen torch or broiler set on high, carefully caramelize sugar on top of each cookie until bubbly and golden brown.
2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Creme Brûlée Cookies, perfect for any sweet tooth craving!

How to Serve Creme Brûlée Cookies

These delicious creme brûlée cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve the cookies warm alongside a mix of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. The sweetness of the cookies pairs wonderfully with the tartness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds extra creaminess and lightens the overall experience, making it even more indulgent.

As Part of Dessert Platters

• Arrange your creme brûlée cookies on a dessert platter with other sweets like brownies and fruit tarts. This variety will please guests at any gathering.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the buttery flavors of the cookies perfectly.

As a Gift

• Package several cookies in a decorative box for a thoughtful gift. They are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just to brighten someone’s day.

How to Perfect Creme Brûlée Cookies

Achieving the perfect creme brûlée cookies involves attention to detail and some helpful techniques.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Avoid overmixing: Mix your dough until just combined to maintain a chewy texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps improve flavor and controls spreading during baking.
• Watch the baking time: Bake your cookies until the edges are set but centers remain slightly soft for that chewy bite.
• Caramelize sugar immediately before serving: For that signature crunchy topping, caramelize sugar right before serving for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Creme Brûlée Cookies

Creme brûlée cookies can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here are some options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing element to balance the richness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Coconut Whipped Cream: Use coconut whipped cream as a dairy-free alternative that adds a tropical twist.
5. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet provides a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Nutty Granola: Crumbled nutty granola can add crunch and nutty flavors that enhance your dessert’s overall experience.
7. Chai Tea Latte: Enjoying these cookies with a warm chai tea latte creates cozy vibes perfect for any afternoon snack.
8. Milkshake: Pair them with a milkshake for an ultimate sweet treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth craving!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making these delicious creme brûlée cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect measurements – Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the texture and flavor. Always use the correct measuring tools, like dry measuring cups for flour and liquid measuring cups for milk.

• Skipping chilling time – Not chilling the cookie dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it.

• Overbaking – Baking cookies even a minute too long can make them hard instead of chewy. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re lightly golden.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, which can affect the final texture. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for best results.

• Not letting cookies cool – Allowing your cookies to cool completely before adding the topping is crucial. This helps the caramelized sugar adhere properly without melting into the cookie.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature – Using ingredients that are not at room temperature can affect how well they combine. Let eggs and dairy sit out for about 30 minutes before using them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your creme brûlée cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creme Brûlée Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creme Brûlée Cookies

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop – Place a skillet over low heat and warm the cookies briefly until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying creme brûlée cookies.

How do I get my creme brûlée cookies chewy?

To achieve a chewy texture, make sure you don’t overbake them and allow them to cool properly after baking.

Can I customize my creme brûlée cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to mix things up while maintaining that classic flavor.

What is the best way to caramelize sugar on top?

Use a kitchen torch for even caramelization. If you don’t have one, broil in the oven for a minute but watch carefully!

Are creme brûlée cookies suitable for parties?

Yes! These cookies are perfect for gatherings due to their unique flavor and delightful presentation.

Final Thoughts

Creme brûlée cookies offer a delicious twist on a classic dessert favorite. Their chewy texture combined with rich vanilla flavor makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize these treats by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting sweetness levels. Try making them today; your taste buds will thank you!