Crème Brûlée Cookies

If you’ve ever had the delightful experience of indulging in a classic crème brûlée, then you know just how satisfying that creamy custard and crunchy caramelized sugar topping can be. Now, imagine transforming that decadent dessert into a cookie! That’s exactly what these Crème Brûlée Cookies offer: a blissful combination of cookie goodness with the flavors of the beloved dessert. These cookies are soft, buttery, and topped with a sprinkle of sugar that gives you that signature crackle we all adore. Perfect for any occasion, let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

The Upside of Crème Brûlée Cookies

These Crème Brûlée Cookies are not just delightful to eat; they also bring the elegance of a restaurant dessert right to your kitchen. Here are some benefits to making these cookies:

• Unique Flavor: Combining vanilla and almond extracts lends a sophisticated taste that’s reminiscent of traditional crème brûlée.
• Textural Contrast: The soft cookie paired with a slightly crunchy sugar topping creates a wonderful mouthfeel.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies baked and ready to enjoy in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gatherings, making them a hit at parties or family events.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your very own Crème Brûlée Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 to 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, or as desired
• Granulated sugar, about ½ to 1 teaspoon per cookie for topping

Prep & Cook Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have these tools handy:

• Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars easy.
• Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy removal of cookies.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few for combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing your cookies to cool evenly.
• Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookie sizes.

Cooking Crème Brûlée Cookies: The Process

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making your Crème Brûlée Cookies! Follow these steps for a successful batch:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Use your mixer to cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually add in 2 to 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.

Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Sprinkle about ½ to 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each cookie. This will create that beautiful caramelized topping similar to crème brûlée.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up while cooling.

Step 9: Cool and Frost

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, frost each cookie with the cream cheese frosting you prepared earlier.

International Equivalents

If you’re cooking from different countries, here’s a handy guide for ingredient conversions:

• 1 cup = 240 ml (liquid measurements)
• 1 cup of flour = 120 grams
• 1 tablespoon = 15 ml
• 1 teaspoon = 5 ml

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the frosting to your preference; you can always start with less sugar and add more if needed.
• If you want a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cookie dough.
• The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To maintain the freshness of your Crème Brûlée Cookies, follow these tips:

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies without frosting. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if your butter is too warm or if you didn’t chill the dough. Always ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

How can I make my cookies thicker?

To achieve a thicker cookie, try adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough or chilling the dough before baking. This will help the cookies retain their shape.

Can I use different extracts?

Absolutely! While vanilla and almond extracts are traditional for crème brûlée, feel free to experiment with other flavors like hazelnut or coconut for a twist.

What if my frosting is too runny?

If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, gradually add more confectioners’ sugar until you achieve the desired thickness. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up.

If you enjoyed making , here are some other delicious recipes to try:

See You at the Table

As you gather around the table to enjoy these Crème Brûlée Cookies, remember that the best moments are often shared with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a treat, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Happy baking!