Crème Brûlée Cookies: A Cozy Treat to Cherish
There’s something magical about the combination of creamy vanilla and crunchy caramel, especially as the cooler months beckon us to gather with loved ones. One of my fondest memories growing up was watching my grandmother prepare her signature crème brûlée, the delicate crack of the caramelized sugar topping filling the kitchen with warmth and sweetness. It’s that nostalgic memory that inspired these Crème Brûlée Cookies—an easy, creamy fall dessert that captures the essence of the classic dish in a cozy, bite-sized treat. Perfectly golden and tender, these cookies are crammed with luscious vanilla pastry cream and topped with a crispy caramel layer that will make your heart melt. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Textures: The warmth of the soft cookie contrasts wonderfully with the crisp caramelized sugar topping.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick dessert.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Guests will rave about these cookies at any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The base cookie is versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings.
- Ideal for Gifting: Pack them up in a pretty box, and these cookies make a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crème Brûlée Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vanilla pastry cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
How to Make Crème Brûlée Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Once cool, use a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill the indentation with vanilla pastry cream.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of the pastry cream.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and hard.
- Let cool and serve.
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a touch of indulgent richness.
- Zesty Twists: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus flair.
- Nutty Flavor: Fold in some chopped pecans or almonds into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch.
- Seasonal Spices: Experiment with warming spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice to make these cookies even more festive.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply scoop, bake, and fill with vanilla pastry cream when ready!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re low on butter, a half-and-half mix of butter and coconut oil will create a lovely flavor while keeping the cookies soft.
- Storage Suggestions: These delectable cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just remember to wait to caramelize the sugar until just before serving.
- Perfectly Indentations: If the cookie centers puff up while baking, a spoon can help you make the perfect indentation after they cool.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap the vanilla pastry cream with chocolate or matcha cream for a creative twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any uneaten cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
How long does it last?
These cookies are best enjoyed within 3 days, but they won’t last long because they’re so delicious!
Wrapping It Up
These Crème Brûlée Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a cozy reminder of love, family, and the magic of warm kitchens filled with delightful aromas. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re showering someone with affection or simply treating yourself to a slice of nostalgia, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your recipe collection. Save this Crème Brûlée Cookies recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Crème Brûlée Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crème Brûlée Cookies are a cozy treat that combines creamy vanilla and crunchy caramel, perfect for gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vanilla pastry cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Once cool, use a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill the indentation with vanilla pastry cream.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of the pastry cream.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and hard.
- Let cool and serve.
Notes
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, dessert, crème brûlée, caramel, fall baking