Creme Brûlée Cookies

These Creme Brûlée Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of classic creme brûlée with the comforting texture of cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these chewy and buttery cookies feature a rich vanilla pastry cream and a sugary caramelized topping that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy them at parties, as an afternoon snack, or simply indulge yourself after dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery sweetness and rich vanilla makes every bite unforgettable.
• Chewy Texture: These cookies have a delightful chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for celebrations, casual gatherings, or just because—they’re always a hit!
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in your pastry cream.

Ingredients

To create these delectable Creme Brûlée Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Vanilla 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

For Rolling and Topping

• 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 Vanilla Pastry Cream

Start by making the pastry cream since it needs time to cool.
1. In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla bean paste, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cubed butter until melted. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Now it’s time to prepare your cookie dough.
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in one egg and vanilla bean paste until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble Cookies

Bring your cooled pastry cream into play!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Scoop out cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
3. Use your thumb to make an indentation in each cookie center.
4. Fill each indentation with cooled pastry cream.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Now bake them to perfection!
1. Bake for about 9 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
2. Remove from oven and let cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Create Caramelized Topping

Finish off these cookies with their signature brulee topping!
1. Once cooled completely, sprinkle sugar generously over each cookie’s pastry cream filling.
2. Using a kitchen torch or broiler set to low, carefully caramelize the sugar until golden brown.

Enjoy your delicious Creme Brûlée Cookies fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Creme Brûlée Cookies

Creme brûlée cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving them at a party or enjoying them as a cozy dessert at home, these chewy cookies will impress everyone.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve the cookies alongside a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Place a warm creme brûlée cookie on a plate and top it with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for extra sweetness and richness.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of the warm beverage enhance the creamy notes of the cookies.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• For an elegant touch, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving to add a bit of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Creme Brûlée Cookies

Achieving the perfect creme brûlée cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create the best version possible.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Invest in good butter and pure vanilla bean paste. These will elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.

• Chill the dough: Allowing your dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and improves texture when baked.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be golden around the edges but soft in the center for that perfect chewiness.

• Brûlée topping technique: For that signature caramelized sugar topping, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly on top of your cooled cookies before using a kitchen torch or broiler carefully to melt and caramelize it.

Best Side Dishes for Creme Brûlée Cookies

Pairing side dishes with creme brûlée cookies can enhance their taste experience. Consider these delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.

2. Whipped Cream
   Lightly sweetened whipped cream serves as a fluffy contrast to the dense cookie texture.

3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy side that complements your dessert nicely.

4. Chocolate Fondue
   Serve melted chocolate alongside sliced fruits and marshmallows for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses pairs well with sweets, offering savory bites between cookie indulgences.

6. Coffee Cake
   A slice of light coffee cake provides another layer of flavor while maintaining a dessert theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making too much cream: Ensure you use the right amount of milk and egg yolks for the pastry cream. Too much can make it runny.
• Not sifting flour: Always sift your flour to avoid lumps in your cookie dough, which can affect the texture.
• Using cold butter: Softened butter is key for creamy dough. Cold butter can cause the cookies to be dense instead of chewy.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on them in the oven. They should be slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
• Skipping the rolling sugar: Rolling the dough in sugar gives a nice crunch and enhances the caramel flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Creme Brûlée Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creme Brûlée Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Creme Brûlée Cookies?
Creme Brûlée Cookies are soft, chewy cookies filled with rich vanilla pastry cream and topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar layer.

Can I customize my Creme Brûlée Cookies?
Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swap vanilla bean paste for other flavors like almond or lemon zest.

How do I achieve the perfect brulee topping?
Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the cooled pastry cream and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden brown.

Are Creme Brûlée Cookies easy to make?
Absolutely! With simple ingredients and steps, these cookies are both fun and rewarding to bake.

How long do these cookies last?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for three months.

Final Thoughts

Creme Brûlée Cookies offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, from their chewy base to their creamy filling topped with crunchy caramel. They are versatile enough for any occasion and can easily be customized with your favorite mix-ins. Try making these delicious treats today!