Name: Creme Brûlée Cookies
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 119 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups whole milk (540 ml); 6 egg yolks; 1 cup granulated white sugar (225 g); 2 tbsp granulated white sugar; 1/8 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste; 3 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (28 g); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (cut in cubes, 42 g); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, 313 g); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/4 cup granulated white sugar (250 g); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, 224 g); 1 whole egg; 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste; 1/2 cup granulated white sugar (for rolling the dough in, 100 g); 1/2 cup granulated white sugar (for the brulee topping, 100 g)

Introduction to Crème Brûlée Cookies

What are Crème Brûlée Cookies and why should you make them?

Crème brûlée cookies are a delightful twist on the classic French dessert, combining the rich, creamy flavors of vanilla pastry cream with a soft, chewy sugar cookie base. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery cookie topped with velvety pastry cream and a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. It’s like enjoying two desserts in one!

Why should you make these irresistible cookies? For starters, they are not only a delicious treat but also an impressive addition to any gathering. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just craving a little something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, the contrast between the soft cookie, the creamy filling, and the crispy sugar topping creates a textural experience that’s simply divine.

If you're interested in gourmet baking or want to try something unique, making creme brulee cookies at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. The process might take a bit of time, but the end result is worth every minute. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create these scrumptious treats that will wow your friends and family! For more inspiration, check out this guide on cookie baking techniques.

Ingredients for Crème Brûlée Cookies

Creating the perfect crème brûlée cookies involves blending elements of traditional pastry cream and irresistible sugar cookies, culminating in a delightful culinary experience. Here's what you'll need:

Vanilla Pastry Cream Ingredients

2 ¼ cups (540 ml) whole milk: This rich base is key for a creamy texture.
6 egg yolks: The yolks add richness and color.
1 cup + 2 tablespoon (225 g) granulated white sugar: Sweetness is essential, of course.
⅛ teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
1 ½ tablespoon vanilla bean paste: For that luscious vanilla flavor.
3 ½ tablespoon (28 g) cornstarch: This helps thicken the cream.
3 tablespoon (42 g) unsalted butter, cut in cubes: Adds a luxurious finish.

Sugar Cookies Ingredients

2 ½ cups (313 g) all-purpose flour: A strong foundation for the cookies.
½ teaspoon baking powder: To give that lovely rise.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated white sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened: The secret behind the buttery texture.
1 egg: Acts as a binder for the dough.
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste: Because more vanilla is always better!
½ cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for rolling the dough in): Creates that delightful sugar crust.
½ cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for the brûlée topping): The crowning glory of your cookies.

Ready to elevate your cookie game? Grab these ingredients and let’s get baking! Make sure to check out more cooking tips and tricks here and explore the wonders of pastry cream here.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Crème Brûlée Cookies

Crème brûlée cookies combine the classic flavors of a rich pastry cream and a perfectly baked sugar cookie into one delightful treat. Here's a breakdown of how to create these delicious cookies step by step.

Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream

To start your creme brûlée cookies, let's whip up some luscious vanilla pastry cream. Begin by heating 2 ¼ cups of whole milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until it's steaming but not boiling. While that’s warming, whisk together in a large bowl:

6 egg yolks
1 cup + 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon of salt
1 ½ tablespoons of vanilla bean paste
3 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch

Once it's combined and creamy, gradually mix in about a quarter of the heated milk to temper the eggs, then pour in the rest. Return the mixture to the saucepan, cooking over medium-low heat, whisking continuously for about 8-12 minutes until it thickens to creamy perfection. Don’t forget to add 3 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter, stirring until it melts smoothly. Transfer it to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge.

Prepare the Sugar Cookies Dough

Next up is the sugar cookie dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together:

2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt

In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste until pale and airy. Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until it comes together. Scoop out tablespoonfuls of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll them in ½ cup of granulated sugar for that lovely crisp finish.

Shape and Bake the Sugar Cookies

Place the sugar cookie dough balls on the parchment-lined sheets, slightly flattening each one. Bake for around 9 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Assemble the Cookies with Pastry Cream

Once your cookies are cool, grab the pastry cream from the fridge. Using a piping bag fitted with a small tip, pipe a generous dollop of pastry cream onto each cookie. This layer of cream gives your cookies that classic crème brûlée essence.

Brûlée the Sugar Topping

For the final touch, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar on top of each pastry cream. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it turns a rich golden brown, reminiscent of that perfect crème brûlée crust. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes, and then they’re all set for you to indulge in!

With these steps, you've crafted stunning creme brûlée cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Happy baking!

Variations on Crème Brûlée Cookies

Chocolate Crème Brûlée Cookies
Elevate your crème brûlée cookies with a rich chocolate twist! Simply incorporate half a cup of cocoa powder into the sugar cookie dough. For an extra indulgent experience, substitute a portion of the vanilla pastry cream with chocolate ganache. This sweet touch creates a luscious layer that perfectly complements the caramelized sugar on top.

Gluten-free Crème Brûlée Cookies
Craving these delectable treats but need a gluten-free option? No problem! Swap out all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend, and keep the rest of the recipe intact. Many gluten-free flours work wonders, ensuring you don't miss out on that classic chewy texture. Check out this guide on gluten-free baking for more tips!

Baking Tips for Crème Brûlée Cookies

How to achieve the perfect chewy texture

To ensure your crème brûlée cookies have that irresistible chewy texture, make sure not to overmix the dough. When you combine your dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined—this helps maintain moisture. Another tip is to slightly underbake your cookies, removing them when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They’ll firm up while cooling!

Tips for brûlée success

For perfect brûlée, opt for superfine sugar—it melts evenly and caramelizes beautifully. When using your kitchen torch, keep it moving in circles to avoid burning. If you don't have a torch, broil the cookies in the oven for a minute or two, but watch them closely! For a deeper flavor, try a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the sugar before torching.

Serving Suggestions for Crème Brûlée Cookies

Perfect Pairings for Your Cookies

Crème brûlée cookies shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with various beverages. Consider enjoying them alongside a rich coffee, like an espresso or a velvety cappuccino, to enhance the creamy vanilla notes. Alternatively, a cup of chai tea provides a warm spice that complements the buttery goodness. For a light touch, iced herbal teas or even a flavored sparkling water work wonders too. These combinations make for an elevated dessert experience!

Presentation Ideas for Gatherings

When hosting friends, elevate your dessert table by stacking crème brûlée cookies on a beautiful cake stand, showcasing their golden caramel topping. For added flair, use decorative parchment paper placed beneath each cookie for a sophisticated ambiance. For a more interactive option, set up a mini brûlée station with kitchen torches, letting guests caramelize their own sugar! This not only brings excitement but also a memorable touch to your gathering.

Time Breakdown for Crème Brûlée Cookies

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Creating the rich and creamy vanilla pastry cream takes some time, but it's worth it! You'll also want to allow enough time to chill the cream.

Cooking time: 9 minutes
These cookie delights bake up quickly. Pop them in the oven, and in less than ten minutes, you'll have golden-brown perfection!

Total time: 1 hour 59 minutes
With prep, cook, and assembly times combined, you’ll be looking at just under two hours to whip up these delicious crème brûlée cookies. Get ready for a baking adventure!

For a fun read on cookie baking techniques, check out this insightful article on the science of cookies. You'll be a cookie pro in no time!

Nutritional Facts for Crème Brûlée Cookies

When indulging in crème brûlée cookies, it's good to be aware of their nutritional profile. Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, offering a delightful treat without overdoing it. With around 9 grams of sugar, they bring sweetness without overwhelming your palate. Plus, they contain about 1.5 grams of protein, making them a light yet satisfying snack.

For more on the benefits of cookies in moderation, check out the Nutritional Guidelines from the USDA!

FAQs about Crème Brûlée Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vanilla pastry cream and cookie dough a day in advance. Just store the pastry cream in the fridge and the cookie dough in an airtight container at room temperature. Bake the cookies fresh right before you assemble them with the pastry cream for the best texture and flavor.

How do I store leftover cookies?

If you find yourself with leftover crème brûlée cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider placing them in the fridge, but keep in mind that the texture might change slightly due to the pastry cream.

What if I don't have a kitchen torch?

No worries! If you don’t own a kitchen torch, a broiler can do the trick. Simply place the cookies on a baking sheet and broil for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning. For a more subtle finish, sprinkle the sugar on the cookies and let them sit for a short period until it melts, creating a lovely crust.

For more tips on cookie storage and preparation, check out The Kitchn's guide on cookie storage.

Conclusion on Crème Brûlée Cookies

In conclusion, crème brûlée cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic dessert's rich flavors with the comforting texture of a cookie. Their chewy, buttery goodness makes them perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply want a sweet snack at home. Give this recipe a try, and indulge in a little culinary magic!