Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies combine soft, chewy texture with creamy topping and crisp caramelized sugar. They look stunning, taste luxurious, and feel like a gourmet bakery treat while still being made with simple ingredients at home.
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Irresistible Crème Brûlée Cookies: A Bakery-Style Cookie with a Crackly Sugar Top
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistible crème brûlée cookies featuring soft vanilla sugar cookies topped with creamy custard frosting and a crisp caramelized sugar crust.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Extra granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely.
- For the custard, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then slowly whisk into egg mixture.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
- Spread custard over cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch just before serving.
Notes
- Brûlée topping should be done right before serving for best crunch.
- Store cookies and custard separately until ready to serve.
- A kitchen torch works best for caramelizing sugar.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter
Creates a rich, tender cookie base with classic shortbread-style flavor.
Granulated sugar
Sweetens the dough and helps achieve soft texture.
Brown sugar
Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes.
Eggs
Provide structure and richness to the cookie dough.
Vanilla extract
Delivers the signature crème brûlée flavor.
All-purpose flour
Forms the structure of the cookies while keeping them soft.
Cornstarch
Helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking powder
Gives the cookies light lift without making them cakey.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances vanilla flavor.
Heavy cream
Forms the base of the creamy custard topping.
Cream cheese
Adds body and smoothness to the custard layer.
Powdered sugar
Sweetens the topping without graininess.
Granulated sugar for topping
Creates the classic caramelized brûlée shell.
Directions
Begin by creaming the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Scoop the dough onto lined baking sheets and gently flatten slightly. Bake until the cookies are set with lightly golden edges. Allow them to cool completely.
To prepare the topping, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth and thick. Spread a thin layer over each cooled cookie.
Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the topping. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Allow the sugar to harden before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Serves 18–20 cookies
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling and topping time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best texture, caramelize the sugar topping shortly before serving. Reheating is not recommended, as it may soften the custard layer.
Variations and Customizations
Espresso Crème Brûlée Cookies
Add espresso powder to the cookie dough for depth.
Orange Vanilla Cookies
Add orange zest to the dough for brightness.
Mini Crème Brûlée Cookies
Make smaller cookies for elegant dessert trays.
Extra Thick Custard Layer
Increase topping slightly for richer cookies.
Chocolate-Dipped Base
Dip the cookie bottoms in melted chocolate.
Vanilla Bean Version
Use vanilla bean paste for intense flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Cinnamon Sugar Brûlée
Mix cinnamon into the sugar topping.
Holiday Style Cookies
Top with edible gold flakes after brûléeing.
No-Torch Option
Caramelize sugar briefly under a broiler with care.
FAQs
Do I need a kitchen torch?
A torch works best, but a broiler can be used carefully.
Are these cookies soft or crisp?
They are soft with a crisp caramelized topping.
Can I make them ahead?
Bake cookies ahead and brûlée just before serving.
Will the topping melt?
Yes, over time it softens, which is why fresh brûlée is best.
Is the topping very sweet?
It is balanced and similar to classic crème brûlée.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, except for torching, which should be done by an adult.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Freeze cookies without topping, then add brûlée later.
Do they taste like crème brûlée?
Yes, the flavor and texture are very similar.
Can I skip cream cheese?
It adds stability and is recommended.
Are these good for gifting?
They are best enjoyed fresh rather than shipped.
Conclusion
Irresistible Crème Brûlée Cookies are a truly special dessert that blends soft vanilla cookies, creamy custard topping, and a crackly caramelized sugar finish. Elegant yet comforting, they bring the magic of crème brûlée into an unforgettable cookie form. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or anytime you want to impress, these cookies are guaranteed to delight from the very first crack.
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