Imagine your favorite crème brûlée dessert reimagined as a chewy golden-brown cookie with a caramelized sugar top.Crème Brûlée Cookies: How do IWhat is the best of both worlds: a soft, buttery center combined with a crispy, torched sugar crust. They’re perfect for when you want something unique, elegant, and totally delicious. What are some of the best holiday treats to make at home?
Why are Crème Brûlée Cookies so popular?
- The Perfect Mashup:In this unique recipe, classic crème brûlée meets cookie heaven.
- Caramelized Sugar Magic: What is Cara A crispy, crackly sugar top gives these cookies their signature brûlée crunch.
- Chewy Meets Crispy: Soft, buttery cookies with a delightful, torched crust.
- Elegant Yet Easy:I don’t need a fancy torch to enjoy these—broiling works too!
- Crowd-Pleaser:What are some of the best cookies you’ve ever eaten?
Ingredients
- 34 cup (170g / 0.37 lb)Unsalted butter, softened.
- 1 cup (200g / 0.44 lb) – 1 cup (200g / 0. granulated sugar
- 12 cup (110g / 0.24lb)Light brown sugar, packed with fiber.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 14 cups (280g / 0.62 lb) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- Granulated sugarWhat is the recipe for a brûlée topping (about 1 cup or 50g)?
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - How do you make cookie dough?
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. - Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. - Form the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Slightly flatten the tops with the back of a spoon. - Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Add Sugar Topping:Once the cookies are cool, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the tops. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, place cookies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Serve and Enjoy:
Let the caramelized sugar set for a few minutes, then enjoy the crispy, crackly goodness.
Notes
- No Kitchen Torch?What are some good ways to caramelize sugar in a broiler?
- Storage:Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make It Extra Fancy: How do I make it extra fun? Add a pinch of sea salt to the sugar topping for a salty-sweet twist.
- Flavor Twist:Why use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract?
What are some frequently asked questions?
Can I freeze cookie dough?Can you freeze dough balls on a tray and transfer them to a freezer bag?Do I need a kitchen torch?
While a kitchen torch gives the best results, the broiler works in a pinch. Just keep a close eye on the cookies under the broiler.
Can I make cookies ahead of time?Can you bake cookies in advance and brûlée the sugar topping just before serving for the best texture?What are some of the best flavors to try?Add a bit of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha twist, or swap vanilla with almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.How do I keep sugar topping crisp?
Serve the cookies soon after brûléeing the sugar—over time, the caramelized top may soften.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: If you’re serving these at a party, brûlée the cookies in front of your guests for a fun and dramatic presentation!
- Pro Trick: For extra crunch, sprinkle a little raw turbinado sugar on top before torching.
- Serving Suggestion:Pair these cookies with coffee or ice cream for the perfect dessert experience.
Variations
How do I make my own cookies?
- Chocolate Crème Brûlée Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
- Espresso Brûlée Cookies: What are some examplesMix 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the dough for a coffeehouse vibe.
- Salted caramel Brûlée: salted caramel Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies before adding the sugar topping and finishing with sea salt.
- Lemon Brûlée Cookies: What are some good Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist.
- Almond Brûlée Cookies: What are someWhat is the difference between almond extract and vanilla extract?
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
How do I make Crème Brûlée Cookies ahead of time?
Can you make these cookies ahead of time? The sugar topping is best caramelized just before serving to maintain its crispness. You can also freeze the baked cookies, individually wrapped, for longer storage. Just let them thaw completely and then caramelize the sugar before enjoying.
What are some substitutions I can make if I don’t have everything on hand?
Can you substitute light brown sugar for granulated sugar? If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use vanilla bean paste at a 1:1 ratio or even a few drops of vanilla flavoring. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, using the same 2 14 cup measurement. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use baking soda, but you will need to add an acid, like lemon juice or vinegar.
How do you know if your Crème Brûlée Cookies are ready for the sugar topping?
The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. They should be slightly puffed and set around the edges, but still have a bit of give when lightly touched. What is the best time to bake a cookie? After removing from oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I make a larger batch of Crème Brûlée cookies?
Can you easily scale this recipe. To double the recipe, simply double all the ingredients. If you’re making a smaller batch, you can halve the recipe. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it might vary slightly depending on the size of the batch and your oven. Remember to adjust the amount of sugar for the topping accordingly.
Are Crème Brûlée Cookies healthy?
While these cookies are delicious, they are not necessarily a “healthy” option due to the butter and sugar content. However, they do provide some nutritional value. Butter contributes fat-soluble vitamins, and eggs provide protein and essential nutrients. The flour adds some fiber, and the cookies can be a source of energy. If you’re looking to improve the nutritional profile slightly, you could consider using whole wheat flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
