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Crème Brûlée Cookies

Crème Brûlée Cookies

Crème Brûlée Cookies are a delightful fusion of creamy custard and crisp caramelized sugar topping, capturing the essence of the classic French dessert in a cookie form. Featuring a smooth custard-like filling encased in a tender cookie shell and topped with a crackling caramelized sugar crust, these elegant treats are simple to prepare with everyday ingredients and customizable with various flavor twists. Perfect for any occasion, they offer a sophisticated yet approachable dessert experience to share with family and friends.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)

Custard Filling

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean

Caramelized Topping

  • Granulated sugar for sprinkling and caramelizing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the 2 egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling and baking.
  2. Shape and Bake the Cookie Shells: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles slightly larger than your mold or indentation for the filling. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Allow cookies to cool completely before filling.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Custard Filling: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 3 egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a velvety custard consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely, preferably in the refrigerator.
  4. Fill and Chill the Cookies: Spoon or pipe the cooled custard filling into the center of each baked cookie shell. Place the filled cookies in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the custard to set firmly.
  5. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Evenly sprinkle granulated sugar over the chilled custard tops. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden brown and crackly. Alternatively, position the cookies under a very hot broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain thick cookie shells.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough and custard texture.
  • Be vigilant when caramelizing sugar; keep the torch or broiler moving to avoid burning.
  • Adjust flour and cream slightly to customize the custard and cookie balance.
  • Serve the cookies fresh after caramelizing to enjoy the signature crackle.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour option)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Crème Brûlée Cookies, custard cookies, caramelized sugar topping, creamy cookies, French dessert cookies, gluten-free cookies