If you love the rich, creamy decadence of classic crème brûlée but want to enjoy those golden, caramelized flavors in a fun new form, this Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies capture everything you adore about the beloved French dessert—with a tender, buttery cookie base, a luscious vanilla pudding filling, and a crisp, caramelized sugar topping that cracks delightfully with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next get-together, these cookies bring a little touch of fancy French flair right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a cookie with amazing flavor and texture. Each element plays its part, from the rich butter that makes the base tender to the smooth vanilla pudding adding that creamy surprise inside.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The perfect foundation for tender, yet sturdy cookies.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps give a gentle lift without overpowering the cookie’s texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings the warm, aromatic notes that tie the cookie and filling together.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Provides a silky, creamy texture for the filling.
- Vanilla pudding (½ cup): Whether homemade or instant, it’s the luscious heart of the cookie.
- Extra granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top to create that iconic caramelized brûlée crust.
How to Make Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This step ensures your baking powder is distributed well, which helps the cookies rise just right.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate, larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process introduces air that makes your cookies delightfully tender.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. These ingredients add structure, moisture, and that classic vanilla warmth to every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Gradually mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough blending to bring it all together.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls, then flatten each slightly and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden and the centers are set. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and your vanilla pudding until smooth and slightly thickened. This silky filling will elevate the cookies with a luscious bite reminiscent of the classic crème brûlée custard.
Step 7: Add the Filling and Brûlée the Tops
Spoon about one teaspoon of the pudding mixture onto the center of each cooled cookie. Then, sprinkle a generous pinch of granulated sugar on top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, use your oven’s broiler for about 30 to 60 seconds—but watch the cookies closely to avoid burning.
How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pop, try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a fresh berry like a raspberry atop the brûléed sugar after it cools. A sprig of mint can also brighten the presentation and offer a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a mild tea like chamomile or earl grey. For a decadent dessert spread, serve alongside creamy mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the vanilla custard inside.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange these cookies on a slate serving board and drizzle a bit of caramel sauce around them. You can also serve them in petite dessert cups topped with a sprinkle of sea salt to accentuate the caramel flavors. They look stunning and taste irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the pudding filling fresh and the sugar topping crisp. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze the cookie bases (without the filling and brûléed sugar) in an airtight bag or container for up to one month. When ready, thaw them completely, add the pudding filling, and caramelize the topping for freshly brûléed goodness.
Reheating
Because of the delicate brûléed sugar, reheating should be gentle and brief. A quick blast under a warm oven broiler for a few seconds can refresh the crispy topping, but watch carefully to avoid melting the filling or burning the sugar.
FAQs
Can I use instant pudding mix for the filling?
Absolutely! Instant vanilla pudding mix works wonderfully in this Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe and saves time. Just prepare it according to the package instructions and mix with heavy cream as noted.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No worries at all. You can place the sugar-topped cookies under a broiler for 30 to 60 seconds to caramelize the sugar. Just keep a close eye on them so the sugar browns perfectly without burning.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor will still be delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are ready when the edges turn just golden and the centers look set but not dry. Overbaking can make them too crisp, so keep a close watch during the last few minutes.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
With some adaptions like vegan butter, non-dairy pudding, and egg replacers, you can experiment to make vegan versions, but the classic recipe relies on dairy and eggs for that authentic creamy richness.
Final Thoughts
There is something so special about merging the luxurious creaminess of crème brûlée with the hand-held convenience of cookies, and this Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe does it brilliantly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress with a unique treat, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the delight with friends and family. You’ll find it’s the perfect blend of sweet nostalgia and fresh creativity!
Print
Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crème Brûlée Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic French dessert and comforting cookies. Featuring a soft, buttery base, these cookies are filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust, achieved either by a kitchen torch or broiler. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a gourmet treat at home.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling & Topping
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup vanilla pudding (prepared or instant mix with milk)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for brulée topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes at medium speed.
- Add wet ingredients and combine: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms, ensuring all flour is incorporated without overmixing.
- Form and bake cookies: Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges just start to turn golden and the centers are set. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare vanilla filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and prepared vanilla pudding until smooth and slightly thickened, creating a creamy filling.
- Assemble cookies: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the pudding mixture onto the center of each cooled cookie, spreading slightly but keeping it contained.
- Caramelize the sugar topping: Sprinkle each filled cookie generously with the granulated sugar reserved for the brulée topping. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns a golden brown, forming a crisp crust. If a torch is unavailable, place the cookies under a broiler for 30 to 60 seconds, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Set and serve: Allow the caramelized topping to cool and harden for about a minute before serving. Enjoy your beautifully crisp and creamy Crème Brûlée Cookies.
Notes
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, use the oven broiler to caramelize the sugar topping by placing the cookies close to the heat source for 30–60 seconds and watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Store cookies in the refrigerator if making ahead to keep the pudding fresh and the caramel topping crisp.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal texture and flavor.
- Use high-quality vanilla pudding and fresh vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
