Get ready to fall in love with the Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe, a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of the classic dessert in cookie form. These cookies are tender, buttery, and have that rich, creamy undertone reminiscent of the caramelized sugar topping we all adore. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a subtle depth that makes this recipe a standout at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for friends or indulging in a personal sweet moment, this Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how this Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe uses simple pantry staples to achieve such an irresistible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the tender crumb provided by the perfect blend of flours and leavening agents.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and tender texture for the cookies.
- Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle softness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch during caramelization.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps create a smooth, delicate crumb.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and classic dessert aroma.
- Almond extract: Introduces a nutty, aromatic note that elevates the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: Builds the cookie structure to hold all those luscious flavors.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- Cream of tartar: Adds a slight tang and stabilizes the texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- Cream cheese (softened): Delivers a subtle creaminess and tenderness in the dough.
- Additional unsalted butter (softened): For making the frosting, adding richness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (for frosting): Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- Granulated sugar (for topping): Creates the signature crunchy, caramelized cookie topping.
How to Make Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together ½ cup of unsalted butter and ½ cup of canola or vegetable oil with ½ cup each of granulated and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it builds the base that will carry all the lovely flavors and determine the cookie’s texture. Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, which together infuse the dough with that warm, inviting aroma reminiscent of classic crème brûlée.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cream of tartar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Combining these dry ingredients separately allows for even distribution and helps the cookies rise just right, ensuring a tender but sturdy crumb.
Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese and Butter for Frosting
Using softened 8 ounces of cream cheese and 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, beat together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 ½ to 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar to this mixture, adjusting sweetness and thickness to your liking. This frosting is a luscious complement to the Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe, adding a silky contrast to the crunchy topping.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender. Once combined, chill the dough if necessary for easier handling and better texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 9 minutes. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely to prepare for the signature brûlée topping.
Step 6: Caramelize the Sugar
Sprinkle about ½ to 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on each cooled cookie and carefully use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. This step is what truly transforms your cookies into the dreamy Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe, marrying texture and taste in every bite.
How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar around the serving plate adds elegance, while a few fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries bring brightness that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s rich flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve with a cup of rich coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of dessert wine to enhance the indulgent feel of the Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe. Their buttery, subtly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with these beverages, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer these cookies in a clear glass jar with alternating layers of fresh whipped cream and berries for a stunning dessert parfait. Alternatively, arrange them around a crème brûlée custard for a charming themed dessert platter that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled and caramelized, store your Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispness and freshness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncaramelized cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight bag or container. Freeze up to 3 months, then caramelize the sugar topping once thawed for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that signature crisp sugar topping after storage, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on the surface and gently caramelize with a kitchen torch. If you don’t have a torch, quickly broil them in the oven, watching closely to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
The cream cheese adds a unique creaminess to the Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe’s dough, but you can try mascarpone for a slightly different texture. However, avoid skipping it entirely to maintain the signature richness.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for caramelizing sugar?
No worries! You can place the cookies under your oven’s broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye to prevent burning. It won’t be quite the same, but the result is still delicious.
How do I ensure the cookies don’t spread too much during baking?
Be sure to chill your dough if it feels too soft before baking. Using baking soda and cream of tartar in the recipe helps control spreading while producing that light texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, but you might need to adjust the liquid ratios slightly. The texture could vary from the original Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe, but it’s a fun twist to try!
What’s the best way to achieve the perfect crunchy caramelized sugar topping?
Use fine granulated sugar and apply an even layer to the top of each cookie before caramelizing with a torch. Hold the flame close but do not linger too long to avoid burning; the goal is a thin, crisp layer.
Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe truly brings a little magic to your baking. With its harmonious blend of creamy dough, delicate flavors, and that dazzling caramelized sugar topping, it’s impossible not to smile with every bite. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable cookie experience.
Print
Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French inspired
Description
Crème Brûlée Cookies are a delectable twist on the classic French dessert, combining the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with a delicate vanilla and almond-infused cookie. Topped with a caramelized sugar crust, these cookies deliver a satisfying crunch with a soft, flavorful center, perfect for any special occasion or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- One 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups confectioners’ sugar (adjust to desired sweetness)
Topping
- Granulated sugar (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cookie for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, canola or vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla and almond extracts to incorporate their flavors evenly throughout the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring the dough is smooth but not overworked.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, adjusting the amount to reach your preferred sweetness and consistency for the filling.
- Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each slightly. Place a dollop of cream cheese filling in the center of each dough piece, then fold and seal the dough around the filling to form a ball.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced adequately to allow spreading. Bake for 9 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Add Topping: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each cookie. Use a kitchen torch or place the cookies under a broiler briefly to caramelize the sugar, creating the signature crisp, brûlée crust.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once the sugar topping has hardened and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter for the filling are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies; they should be soft with just a hint of golden edges.
- If you do not have a kitchen torch for caramelizing sugar, use the oven broiler method but watch closely to prevent burning.
- You can adjust the quantity of confectioners’ sugar in the filling based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and caramelized sugar toppings are best enjoyed the same day for optimal crunch.
