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To make crème brûlée cookies, you need key ingredients that create that rich flavor: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) These ingredients blend together to give you cookies that are soft and creamy, just like a real crème brûlée. You can make your cookies even more exciting by adding some optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) - 1/2 cup chocolate chips - Zest of one orange or lemon - A sprinkle of cinnamon Each of these ingredients can give your cookies a unique twist. For example, chocolate chips add sweetness, while citrus zest adds brightness. If you're missing some ingredients, don't worry. You can swap them out easily: - Use margarine instead of butter. - Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor. - Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. - Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. These substitutions can help you create a version of these cookies that fits your needs, without losing flavor. Enjoy baking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial. It ensures your cookies bake evenly. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, add your softened butter. Then, mix in the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mix is light and fluffy. Next, crack in the two large eggs, adding them one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, pour in the pure vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor to your cookies. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. This will help mix the dry ingredients well. Gradually stir this mix into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as everything is combined. Now, gently fold in the heavy cream. This creates a rich, buttery dough that mirrors the essence of crème brûlée. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake them in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft. When they're done, take them out and sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on each warm cookie. This will form a sweet topping. To achieve that classic crème brûlée finish, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. Aim for a deep amber color. If you don’t have a torch, place the cookies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps keep them soft and delicious. To get the best texture for your crème brûlée cookies, follow these tips: - Use softened butter. This helps create a light and fluffy dough. - Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. - Fold in heavy cream gently. This adds richness without losing air. - Bake until edges are golden, but centers are soft. They will firm up as they cool. Here are some common pitfalls when making these cookies: - Skipping the parchment paper. This can cause cookies to stick. - Not measuring ingredients correctly. This can change the texture and taste. - Caramelizing sugar too quickly. Keep an eye on your kitchen torch or broiler to prevent burning. - Allowing cookies to cool too long on the baking sheet. They may stick if left too long. Using the right tools can make your baking easier and more fun: - Electric mixer: Great for creaming butter and sugars. - Mixing bowls: Use large bowls for mixing the dough. - Cookie scoop: Helps to portion dough evenly. - Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy. - Kitchen torch: Essential for achieving the perfect caramelized top. If you don’t have one, use the broiler carefully. These tips will help you create the perfect crème brûlée cookies every time. Happy baking! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For even better flavor and texture, consider chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the ingredients to meld together and can help prevent spreading during baking. Use Fresh Nutmeg: Grating fresh nutmeg will enhance the flavor of your cookies significantly. The aroma and taste of fresh nutmeg are far superior to pre-ground versions, adding a delightful warmth to your desserts. Monitor Caramelization: When using a kitchen torch or broiler, keep a close eye on the sugar as it caramelizes. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in just a matter of seconds, so be ready to take them out at the right moment. Storage Tips: To maintain the crunchy topping, store the cookies in an airtight container without stacking them. If you need to store them for longer, consider caramelizing the sugar just before serving. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with flavor variations. Adding chocolate is a great choice. Simply fold in half a cup of chocolate chips into the dough. This gives a rich twist. For a citrus flavor, add zest from one lemon or orange. It brightens up the cookies! You can even use spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique taste. If you need dietary options, I have you covered. For vegan cookies, swap butter with coconut oil. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream. For gluten-free cookies, use a blend of gluten-free flour. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats! These cookies shine on their own but pair well with others. Serve them with coffee or tea for a cozy moment. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it special. You can also add fresh berries on top for a touch of color. They look great on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar! Don't forget to share with friends and family. To keep your crème brûlée cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This will help lock in their moisture and flavor. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, try freezing. Freezing these cookies is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Once frozen, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven. Crème brûlée cookies taste best when fresh. At room temperature, they stay good for about three days. For the best taste, eat them sooner rather than later. To keep their crunchy tops, avoid stacking them. If they lose their crispness, briefly broil them again to restore that delightful texture. The best way to caramelize the sugar is with a kitchen torch. After baking, sprinkle sugar on warm cookies. Then, gently heat the sugar until it bubbles and turns golden brown. This gives a crunchy, sweet top. If you don’t have a torch, use your oven's broiler. Place the cookies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Prepare the dough as usual and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you are ready to bake, scoop and bake the chilled dough directly. Chilling enhances the flavors and helps the cookies hold their shape. You’ll know the cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look soft and slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out. This keeps them chewy and delicious. Always trust your eyes and feel for that perfect balance of softness and slight firmness. You now have all the details to bake delicious Crème Brûlée cookies. We covered essential and optional ingredients, along with helpful substitutions. The step-by-step guide showed you how to mix, bake, and caramelize the sugar topping for that perfect finish. Remember to pay attention to texture and avoid common mistakes. Explore tasty flavor variations and use dietary mods as needed. Finally, proper storage ensures these treats stay fresh longer. Enjoy your baking journey, and make these cookies a favorite dessert!

Crème Brûlée Cookies

Delicious cookies inspired by the classic dessert, featuring a rich buttery texture and a caramelized sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter together with the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the eggs to the bowl one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, fine sea salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Gently fold in the heavy cream to the cookie dough, creating a rich and buttery texture that will evoke the essence of crème brûlée.
  • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should remain soft and slightly underbaked.
  • Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each warm cookie to create a sweet, crunchy topping.
  • Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar on each cookie until it bubbles and turns a deep amber color, creating that classic crème brûlée finish. If you do not have a torch, place the cookies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter, highlighting their beautiful caramelized tops. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the serving dish with fresh berries or edible flowers.
Keyword cookies, crème brûlée, dessert