Description
Crème Brûlée Cookies combine the classic rich and creamy vanilla custard of crème brûlée with a crisp sugar cookie base. These delightful treats feature a buttery sugar cookie topped with a luscious homemade vanilla custard, finished with a crispy caramelized sugar crust created with a kitchen torch, delivering the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Custard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling and caramelizing
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a smooth cookie dough.
- Bake Sugar Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Vanilla Custard: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat until hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add the yolk mixture back to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the custard cool to room temperature.
- Assemble Cookies: Once cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of the vanilla custard over the top of each cookie.
- Caramelize Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the custard on each cookie. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crisp, golden-brown crust similar to traditional crème brûlée. Allow the sugar topping to harden before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before spreading custard to prevent melting.
- Use fresh egg yolks and heavy cream for the best custard texture.
- Be cautious when caramelizing sugar with the torch to avoid burning the sugar or custard.
- These cookies should be stored chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, placing cookies under a very hot broiler for a short time can be an alternative, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
