Crème Brûlée Cookies
Crème Brûlée Cookies are an unparalleled fusion of classic French dessert and beloved childhood treat, charming those who dare to indulge. These delightful cookies offer the creamy richness of crème brûlée combined with the comforting sweetness of freshly baked cookies. With their perfectly crisp caramelized sugar top, each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a soft, tender center, creating a sensory experience unlike any other. This recipe, featuring step-by-step instructions, will guide you through producing this divine confection that’s sure to impress at any gathering or satisfy your sweet cravings at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crème Brûlée Cookies recipe is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare. Using minimal ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them a perfect choice for family baking sessions or last-minute dessert ideas. Each cookie brings a taste of elegance that feels suitable for special occasions, yet they are simple enough for an everyday treat. The balanced blend of light and fluffy texture, rich flavor, and delightful presentation makes these cookies a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides a sturdy base that holds the cookie together.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise to a perfect fluffiness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall sweetness by balancing flavors.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates a soft texture in the cookies.
1 cup granulated sugar: The sweetener that transforms these cookies into a treat.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Infuses a deep, caramel flavor reminiscent of vieux pastries.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients while enriching the cookie’s flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Contributes a warm, sweet aroma.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Mimics the creaminess of traditional crème brûlée.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Essential for creating the magical caramelized top.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set the mixture aside to prepare for the wet ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the combination is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes of mixing.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the fluffy butter mixture, continuing to beat until fully combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it begins to bubble (do not let it boil). Remove from heat and whisk in the cornstarch until completely smooth.
Incorporate Cream into Dough: Allow the cream to cool slightly before gently folding it into the cookie dough mixture until well combined.
Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoons, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
Cool the Cookies: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Caramelize the Sugar: Once cookies are cool, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each cookie. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy layer. If you don’t have a torch, broil the cookies for a few seconds, watching closely to avoid burning.
Cool and Serve: Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden before serving your delicious Crème Brûlée Cookies.
Tips & Tricks
For an even more indulgent experience, consider adding chocolate chips or a touch of espresso powder to the dough for a delightful twist. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique spin on this classic. Remember, the key to a perfectly caramelized top is patience; keep an eye on the sugar as it melts to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Present your Crème Brûlée Cookies on an elegant serving platter, garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves to enhance their visual appeal. Pair them with a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an extravagant dessert experience, or enjoy them alongside a cup of rich coffee or tea to balance the sweet flavors. The cookies also make a delightful addition to cookie platters for events or festive celebrations.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in these Crème Brûlée Cookies, it’s important to savor their decadence. Each cookie is a delightful treat, contributing roughly 200 calories per piece, depending on the size. They provide a blend of carbohydrates, fats, and a touch of protein, making them a satisfying dessert option. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Storing Tips & Variations for Crème Brûlée Cookies
To keep your Crème Brûlée Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the unbaked dough in scoop-sized portions, and simply bake from frozen when the craving strikes, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. For healthier variations, consider using coconut oil instead of butter or whole wheat flour for a nutty twist.
Conclusion for Crème Brûlée Cookies
Crème Brûlée Cookies are truly a treat for the senses. They elegantly combine the best of both cookies and crème brûlée in a single, delightful morsel. With this easy, step-by-step recipe, you can create a batch of these indulgent cookies to satisfy any sweet tooth or impress your guests. Don’t wait any longer; dive into this recipe and experience the bliss of these exquisite cookies for yourself!
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage.
3. What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
If you lack a kitchen torch, you can broil the cookies for a few seconds to caramelize the sugar, but watch closely to prevent burning.
4. How long do the cookies last?
They can last about 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to one month in the freezer.
5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to customize the cookies to your liking.
Crème Brûlée Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of classic French dessert and childhood treat, these cookies feature a crisp caramelized sugar top and a soft, tender center.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until bubbling; remove from heat and whisk in cornstarch until smooth.
- Allow the cream to cool slightly, then fold it into the cookie dough until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each cookie and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler.
- Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden before serving.
Notes
For an indulgent twist, consider adding chocolate chips or flavored extracts. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked dough for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
