If you are on the hunt for a dessert that captures the rich, decadent flavors of creme brûlée but with the fun bite-sized charm of a cookie, you have to try this Irresistible Creme Brûlée Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the buttery, spiced cookie base with a creamy, caramelized topping that perfectly mimics the classic custard dessert. Each bite offers a dreamlike mix of crisp caramel and soft, flavorful dough, making them an unforgettable treat to bake and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe means gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to deliver a symphony of taste and texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the rich butter that creates a tender base to the spices that bring inviting warmth and the luscious cream topping that sets these cookies apart.
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened): This provides the rich, creamy fat essential for a tender cookie texture.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the creaming process for fluffiness.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, fragrant notes that enhance all other flavors.
- 1 Large Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for that perfect chew.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie’s structure to hold everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise gently for a soft but sturdy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Brings cozy warmth, echoing the comforting essence of creme brûlée spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty spice for depth.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The key to creating that signature rich and smooth topping.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Melts into a caramelized topping with its deep molasses notes.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch: Thickens the cream topping to the perfect luscious consistency.
How to Make Irresistible Creme Brûlée Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bake the Cookies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a tender texture. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until everything is smoothly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated to avoid overworking.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each ball into a half-inch thick disk to ensure even baking. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until their edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Allow them to cool on the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Creme Brûlée Topping
While your cookies cool, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and cornstarch together, then slowly whisk this mixture into the hot cream. Continue whisking until the cream thickens to a luxurious, custard-like consistency. Let the cream cool slightly for about five minutes before topping each cookie with a spoonful.
Step 4: Caramelize the Topping
Preheat your oven’s broiler and place the topped cookies inside. Keep a close eye and broil for just 1 to 2 minutes, until the sugar topping caramelizes into a crisp, golden-brown shell reminiscent of classic creme brûlée. Let the caramelized topping cool and set for a few minutes before serving to enjoy that satisfying crack when you bite in.
How to Serve Irresistible Creme Brûlée Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies even further, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of sea salt or edible gold flakes atop the caramelized surface just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on the side adds a lovely contrast in color and flavor that will impress any guest.
Side Dishes
Serve these creme brûlée cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small cup of espresso. The creaminess of ice cream complements the caramelized cookie beautifully, while a warm espresso can cut through the sweetness and round out the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board or a delicate porcelain plate for a charming presentation. For a party, stack them in small towers tied with a ribbon, or serve each cookie in a mini ramekin with a tiny spoon to mimic the classic creme brûlée container, adding a playful touch to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookie base tender while maintaining the delicate caramel topping’s texture. Avoid refrigerating, as this could cause the topping to soften.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them before adding the caramelized topping. Place the plain baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Add the topping fresh after thawing.
Reheating
To revive the cookie’s crisp texture and warm the topping, pop them under a broiler for a minute or two or use a kitchen torch to re-caramelize the topping just before serving. This little step refreshes their signature crackly top and warms the creamy custard layer.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of your choice. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to keep the cookies’ texture just right.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can try substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious and indulgent.
What’s the best way to get a smooth caramel topping?
Whisking the brown sugar and cornstarch into the hot cream slowly and continuously is key. This prevents lumps and helps develop that thick, creamy custard base perfect for caramelizing.
Can I make the topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream topping in advance and refrigerate it. Bring it back to room temperature before spreading on the cookies, then finish with the broiler to caramelize.
Why do the cookies need to cool before adding the topping?
Cooling prevents the warm cookies from melting the custard topping prematurely and helps the final caramelized layer to set beautifully instead of becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about transforming the elegant flavors of a classic dessert into a handheld cookie that everyone can enjoy. The Irresistible Creme Brûlée Cookies Recipe is a delightful blend of comforting spices, buttery softness, and that exquisite caramel crackle on top. Give this recipe a try—you’re not just baking cookies, you’re creating moments of sheer joy with every bite.
Print
Irresistible Creme Brûlée Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
These irresistibly delicious Creme Brûlée Cookies combine the rich, creamy topping of classic crème brûlée with a soft, spiced cookie base. With a perfectly caramelized brown sugar and cream topping, these cookies offer a delightful twist on a beloved dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Creme Brûlée Topping
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the vanilla extract and the large egg into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Dough: Press each dough ball into a thick disk about half an inch thick to ensure even baking and a good surface for the topping.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers appear set.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Topping: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Mix Topping: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cornstarch, then gradually add this mixture into the simmering cream, whisking continuously until the topping thickens.
- Cool Topping: Let the cream topping cool slightly for about 5 minutes to thicken further and become easier to spoon.
- Top Cookies: Spoon the thickened cream mixture generously onto each cooled cookie, covering the surface evenly.
- Caramelize Topping: Place the topped cookies under the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes until the topping turns golden and caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Set and Serve: Let the caramelized topping set for a few minutes at room temperature before serving to enjoy the perfect crème brûlée texture on a cookie.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure smooth creaming with the sugar.
- Watching the cookies closely during broiling is crucial to avoid burning the caramelized topping.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add the caramelized topping fresh before serving to maintain texture.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can use a kitchen torch to caramelize the topping for better control.
