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Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

Crème brûlée cookies are a delightful twist on the classic French dessert. These cookies feature a velvety custard filling, encased between buttery shortbread cookies, and topped with a crunchy caramel layer. They are perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a gourmet treat at home.

Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
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Photos of Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples. However, you may need to pay extra attention to ensuring you have cornstarch, which helps thicken the custard, and vanilla extract, which imparts that quintessential crème brûlée flavor. Additionally, make sure you have enough unsalted butter on hand, as it is crucial for the cookie dough's texture.

Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Cookies

egg yolks: Used to create a rich and creamy custard filling.

sugar: Adds sweetness to both the custard and caramel topping.

cornstarch: Thickens the custard to the right consistency.

vanilla extract: Provides a classic crème brûlée flavor.

milk: Forms the base of the custard.

unsalted butter: Essential for the shortbread dough's texture.

egg: Helps bind the cookie dough together.

all-purpose flour: Creates the structure and body of the cookie.

One reader, Katharina Chew says:

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These crème brûlée cookies are a delightful treat! The creamy custard filling paired with the caramelized sugar topping is simply divine. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is both beautiful and delicious. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a sweet treat at home!

Katharina Chew

Essential Techniques for Making Crème Brûlée Cookies

How to whisk egg yolks and sugar: Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale in color. How to make custard in the microwave: Combine the ingredients and microwave, whisking every 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. How to cream butter and sugar: Use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. How to roll out dough: Roll the dough between two layers of parchment paper to the specified thickness. How to cut cookie dough: Use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds and rings from the rolled dough. How to pipe custard: Transfer the chilled custard to a piping bag and pipe it onto the cookies. How to caramelize sugar: Cook sugar in a pan over medium-high heat until it melts and caramelizes, ensuring no lumps remain.

How To Make Crème Brûlée Cookies

Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with these delightful crème brûlée cookies that are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside tasty treats!

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 14 minutes
Chill and Cool Time: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours 29 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

  • 3large egg yolks
  • 2cupssugar,divided
  • 3tbspcornstarch
  • 1tspvanilla extract
  • cupsmilk
  • ½cupunsalted butter,(1 stick), softened
  • 1large egg
  • cupsall-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk the yolks and ½ cup of sugar until pale in color.

  2. Add the cornstarch and vanilla extract, and whisk well. Add the milk and whisk until fully combined.

  3. Loosely cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for 4 to 6 minutes, whisking every 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes a thick custard.

  4. Re-cover with plastic wrap and chill for about 2 hours.

  5. In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and ½ cup of sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

  6. Add the egg, and mix until fully incorporated. Add the flour and mix until the dough is crumbly, but holds together when squeezed.

  7. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

  8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

  9. Once chilled, roll out the dough between 2 layers of parchment paper until it is ¼-inch thick. Cut out six 2-inch diameter rounds of dough. Remove the excess dough and transfer the rings to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  10. Re-roll the leftover cookie dough to the ¼-inch thickness. Cut out six more 2-inch rounds, then cut a 1½-inch ring inside the 2-inch rounds. Transfer the whole rounds to the baking sheet, then remove the inner circles.

  11. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, until pale and just barely cooked.

  12. Let sit at room temperature to cool for 30 minutes.

  13. Once the cookies are cool, transfer the chilled custard to a piping bag.

  14. Pipe the custard onto the circle-shaped cookies completely covering the surface. Place the ring-shaped cookies on top of the custard-topped cookies and press down gently to adhere.

  15. Add the remaining cup of sugar to a small pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts and begins to caramelize. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar.

  16. While the caramel is still hot, pour about 2 tablespoons over each cookie to fill the ring on top. Let the cookies cool completely.

  17. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Calories: 752.80kcal
  • Fat: 21.09g
  • Saturated Fat: 12.04g
  • Trans Fat: 0.62g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5.84g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.51g
  • Carbohydrates: 129.34g
  • Fiber: 2.00g
  • Sugar: 69.99g
  • Protein: 12.02g
  • Cholesterol: 170.00mg
  • Sodium: 46.77mg
  • Calcium: 100.86mg
  • Potassium: 186.34mg
  • Iron: 3.84mg
  • Vitamin A: 203.17µg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Crème Brûlée Cookies

When making the custard, ensure to whisk vigorously every 1 to 2 minutes while microwaving. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Crème Brûlée Cookies

Prepare the custard ahead: Make the custard a day before and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of baking.

Use pre-made dough: Substitute homemade cookie dough with store-bought dough to cut down on preparation time.

Microwave the caramel: Melt the sugar for the caramel in the microwave instead of on the stovetop for quicker results.

Chill efficiently: Speed up the chilling process by placing the dough and custard in the freezer for half the recommended time.

Batch baking: Bake multiple cookies at once to reduce overall baking time.

Substitute Ingredients For Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

  • 3 large egg yolks - Substitute with 3 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp of water: This mixture can mimic the thickening properties of egg yolks in the recipe.

  • 2 cups sugar - Substitute with 1½ cups honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and moisture, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

  • 3 tbsp cornstarch - Substitute with 3 tbsp arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder has similar thickening properties and can be used in the same quantity.

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract - Substitute with 1 tsp almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.

  • 1½ cups milk - Substitute with 1½ cups almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative with a similar consistency.

  • ½ cup unsalted butter - Substitute with ½ cup coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

  • 1 large egg - Substitute with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and adds moisture to the dough.

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour - Substitute with 3½ cups gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Presentation Tips for Serving Crème Brûlée Cookies

  1. Use elegant serving plates: Choose sleek, white porcelain plates to highlight the delicate nature of the crème brûlée cookies.

  2. Create a custard pool: Pipe a small pool of the custard onto the center of each plate before placing the cookies on top. This adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

  3. Garnish with fresh berries: Add a few fresh raspberries or blueberries around the cookies for a pop of color and a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness.

  4. Sprinkle with edible gold flakes: Lightly dust the top of the caramelized sugar with edible gold flakes to give the cookies a luxurious finish.

  5. Add a mint leaf: Place a small mint leaf on top of each cookie for a fresh, aromatic touch that enhances the overall presentation.

  6. Serve with a quenelle of whipped cream: Use a hot spoon to form a smooth quenelle of whipped cream and place it beside the cookie for an elegant touch and added creaminess.

  7. Drizzle with caramel sauce: Lightly drizzle some caramel sauce around the plate to tie in the flavors and add a decorative element.

  8. Use a microplane for zest: Grate a bit of lemon zest over the cookies just before serving to add a hint of citrus aroma and a burst of freshness.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crème Brûlée Cookies

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Used to mix and heat the custard mixture safely in the microwave.

  • Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and ensuring the custard mixture is lump-free.

  • Plastic wrap: Used to cover the custard mixture while microwaving and chilling to prevent a skin from forming.

  • Hand mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.

  • Medium bowl: Used to mix the cookie dough ingredients.

  • Rolling pin: Needed to roll out the cookie dough to an even thickness.

  • Parchment paper: Prevents the dough from sticking to the rolling pin and the baking sheet.

  • Cookie cutter: Used to cut out the 2-inch and 1½-inch rounds of dough.

  • Baking sheet: Holds the cookies while they bake in the oven.

  • Oven: Bakes the cookies to the perfect consistency.

  • Piping bag: Used to pipe the chilled custard onto the cookies.

  • Small pan: Melts and caramelizes the sugar for the topping.

  • Spatula: Useful for transferring cookies and spreading custard evenly.

  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients.

  • Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract and cornstarch.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crème Brûlée Cookies

  • Once the crème brûlée cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • If you want to keep the cookies fresh for a longer period, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • To freeze the cookies, follow these steps:
    1. Place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
    2. Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the cookies are frozen solid.
    3. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
    4. Label the container or bag with the date and store the cookies in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • To thaw the frozen crème brûlée cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Note: The caramelized sugar topping may lose some of its crispness after being stored or frozen, but the overall flavor and texture of the cookies will still be delicious.

Interesting Trivia About Crème Brûlée Cookies

A unique aspect of this crème brûlée cookies recipe is the use of a microwave to create the custard, which is typically made on the stovetop. This method can save time and reduce the risk of burning the custard.

Is Making Crème Brûlée Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

When analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this crème brûlée cookies recipe, it's important to consider the ingredients and their quantities. The primary components like sugar, eggs, milk, and flour are relatively inexpensive and commonly found in most households. Specialty items like vanilla extract and unsalted butter might add a bit to the cost but are still manageable. Overall, this recipe is quite cost-effective, with an approximate cost of around $10-$12 for a household of 4 people. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Crème Brûlée Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

The crème brûlée cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

  • The recipe is high in sugar, with a total of 2 cups used in the custard, cookie dough, and caramel topping. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
  • The recipe uses 3 large egg yolks and 1 whole egg, which contributes to the high cholesterol content of the cookies.
  • The recipe calls for 1½ cups of milk and ½ cup of unsalted butter, both of which are high in saturated fats. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
  • The recipe uses 3½ cups of all-purpose flour, which is a refined carbohydrate. Refined carbs have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

To make the recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

  • Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. You can experiment with using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates to partially replace the sugar.
  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
  • Replace some of the butter with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, applesauce, or mashed avocado to reduce the saturated fat content.
  • Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk to further reduce the saturated fat content.
  • Incorporate some healthy ingredients into the cookie dough, such as rolled oats, nuts, or dried fruits, to boost the nutritional value of the cookies.

Editor's Opinion on This Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

This crème brûlée cookie recipe is an innovative fusion of classic French dessert and cookie. The custard filling, prepared in the microwave, is a clever time-saver, while the caramel topping adds an authentic brûlée touch. However, the process is somewhat labor-intensive, requiring multiple chilling and rolling steps. The end result promises a delightful texture contrast between the creamy custard and crisp cookie. For a smoother workflow, consider preparing the custard a day ahead. Overall, it's a sophisticated treat that will impress at any gathering.

Enhance Your Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Pears with Honey and Thyme: Imagine the delicate sweetness of pears roasted to perfection, drizzled with golden honey and a hint of aromatic thyme. This side-dish complements the creamy richness of the crème brûlée cookies with a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Lemon Basil Sorbet: A refreshing sorbet made from zesty lemons and fragrant basil provides a bright, palate-cleansing contrast to the decadent crème brûlée cookies. The citrusy tang and herbal notes will leave your taste buds dancing.
Caramelized Fig and Prosciutto Salad: A delightful salad featuring sweet, caramelized figs paired with savory prosciutto. The combination of flavors and textures creates a harmonious balance that enhances the luxurious experience of the crème brûlée cookies.
Spiced Apple Compote: Warm, spiced apples cooked down into a luscious compote with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. This comforting side-dish adds a cozy, autumnal touch to the creamy and crunchy crème brûlée cookies.
Raspberry Mint Mojito: A vibrant mojito cocktail infused with juicy raspberries and refreshing mint. This invigorating drink pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy crème brûlée cookies, offering a burst of fruity freshness.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Crème Brûlée Cookies

Vanilla Bean Shortbread Cookies: These delicate cookies are infused with the rich flavor of vanilla beans and have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee.
Lemon Curd Tartlets: Bright and tangy lemon curd nestled in a buttery tart shell. These tartlets are a refreshing and elegant dessert that will impress any guest.
Chocolate Ganache Tarts: Decadent chocolate ganache fills a crisp tart shell, creating a rich and indulgent treat. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt or fresh berries for an added touch.
Raspberry Linzer Cookies: These classic raspberry linzer cookies feature a nutty, buttery dough filled with sweet and tart raspberry jam. A dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies: Soft and chewy cookies with a thumbprint filled with luscious salted caramel. These cookies are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors.

Pairing Suggestions: Appetizers and Main Courses

Appetizers:
Stuffed Mushrooms: Transform your next gathering with these savory Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a delectable mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are baked to perfection, creating a golden, bubbly top that contrasts beautifully with the tender mushroom base. The creamy filling melts in your mouth, while the garlic and herbs add a burst of flavor. Serve these as a warm, inviting starter that will leave your guests craving more.
Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic Bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette, perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, all drizzled with a touch of extra virgin olive oil. The tomatoes provide a juicy, tangy bite, while the basil adds a fresh, aromatic note. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Main Courses:
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Transform your dinner with a delightful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. Marinate the chicken in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Grill to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite every time. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Elevate your dinner table with Stuffed Bell Peppers. Fill vibrant bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is perfectly cooked. Top with melted cheese and fresh herbs for an irresistible dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.

Why trust this Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe:

This recipe combines the classic flavors of crème brûlée with the delightful texture of cookies. The step-by-step instructions ensure a perfect balance of creamy custard and crisp caramel. Using simple ingredients like egg yolks, sugar, and butter, this recipe is both accessible and indulgent. The detailed process guarantees a professional-quality dessert that will impress any guest. Trust this recipe for its clear guidance and delicious results.

Share your thoughts on this delectable Crème Brûlée Cookies recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how your batch turned out!
FAQ:
Can I make the custard on the stovetop instead of the microwave?
Yes, you can. Just whisk the yolks, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens into a custard, then chill as directed.
How do I know when the custard is thick enough?
The custard should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when you run your finger through it. It will also thicken more as it chills.
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Just make sure it's thick enough to set on top of the cookies.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just be aware that the caramel might soften a bit over time.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It should last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before rolling it out and baking.

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