Name: Crème Brûlée Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Granulated sugar for sprinkling

Transport your taste buds to a realm of culinary bliss with our delectable Crème Brûlée Cookies recipe. Combining the creamy richness of traditional crème brûlée with the beloved appeal of sugar cookies, this dessert offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the delightful journey of creating these irresistible treats!

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the custard:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

Granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make the Sugar Cookies: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Shape and Bake: Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely.

Prepare the Vanilla Custard: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until pale and creamy. Slowly pour the hot cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.

Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous spoonful of vanilla custard onto each cookie.

Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over the custard-topped cookies. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden crust. Alternatively, you can place the cookies under the broiler for a few minutes until the sugar caramelizes.

Serve and Enjoy: Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden slightly before serving. These Crème Brûlée Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Tips:

Presentation: For an elegant presentation, arrange the Crème Brûlée Cookies on a decorative plate or tiered dessert stand. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairings: These cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Serve them alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or a glass of dessert wine for an elevated experience.

Temperature: Crème Brûlée Cookies can be enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. If you prefer a cool, refreshing treat, refrigerate the cookies for about 15 minutes before serving.

Occasions: These cookies are perfect for special occasions such as holidays, dinner parties, or afternoon tea gatherings. They add a touch of sophistication and are sure to impress your guests.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the Crème Brûlée Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain the cookies’ softness and the crispness of the caramelized sugar.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Note that the caramelized sugar crust may lose some of its crunchiness when refrigerated, but the cookies will still be delicious.

Freezing: If you need to store the cookies for an extended period, you can freeze them. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Custard Freshness: If you plan to make the cookies in advance, consider baking the sugar cookies ahead of time and preparing the custard and caramelized topping on the day you plan to serve them. This will ensure the custard is fresh and the sugar crust is perfectly crisp.

Related Recipes:

Lemon Custard Cake

FAQs:

Can I Make Crème Brûlée Cookies Without a Kitchen Torch?

Yes, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of Crème Brûlée Cookies without a kitchen torch. Instead of caramelizing the sugar topping with a torch, you can achieve a similar effect by placing the cookies under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and once the sugar has caramelized and formed a golden crust, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool before serving.

Can I Use Store-Bought Sugar Cookie Dough for This Recipe?

While homemade sugar cookie dough yields the best results, you can certainly use store-bought dough as a convenient alternative. Look for pre-made sugar cookie dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Follow the instructions for baking the cookies, and once they’re cooled, proceed with adding the vanilla custard and caramelized sugar topping as per the recipe.

How Do I Prevent the Custard from Making the Cookies Soggy?

To prevent the cookies from becoming soggy, it’s essential to allow them to cool completely before adding the vanilla custard. Additionally, ensure that the custard is not too runny; it should be thick enough to spread easily but not too liquidy. Once you’ve topped the cookies with the custard, refrigerate them for a brief period to allow the custard to set slightly before adding the caramelized sugar topping.

Can I Customize the Flavor of the Custard?

Absolutely! While the classic vanilla custard adds a deliciously rich and creamy layer to the Crème Brûlée Cookies, you can get creative with the flavor profile. Consider incorporating different extracts such as almond, coconut, or citrus for a unique twist. You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal variation. Just be sure to adjust the flavors to your taste preferences while maintaining the custard’s desired consistency.

Conclusion:

With these Crème Brûlée Cookies, you can elevate your dessert game to a whole new level of sophistication. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a luxurious treat, these cookies are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. So why wait? Indulge in the decadence of Crème Brûlée in cookie form today!