Easy Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe brings the classic dessert’s creamy custard and caramelized sugar top into a delightful cookie form. Perfect for anyone craving that signature crackle without the fuss of traditional preparation. For more crème brûlée-inspired treats, try this Ultimate Crème Brûlée Cake – Decadent Custard Dessert or these Easy Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes – Perfect Dessert Recipe.

Ingredients

These Easy Creme Brulee Cookies combine a buttery, soft sugar cookie base with a crackly caramelized sugar topping that mimics the classic dessert’s signature crust.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes

Context: This Easy Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients: butter, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, and cornstarch. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.

Measure the flour and cornstarch accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

This step incorporates air into the dough, which helps the Easy Creme Brulee Cookies achieve a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3 — Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.

Using only egg yolks gives these cookies their rich, custard-like flavor reminiscent of classic creme brulee.

Step 4 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. The cornstarch is key for that tender, shortbread-like crumb.

Step 5 — Form the Dough

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

The dough will be soft. For easier handling, you can chill it for 15–20 minutes if it feels too sticky.

Step 6 — Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat completely.

The sugar coating will caramelize slightly during baking, creating a subtle “brulee” effect on the outside.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

The Easy Creme Brulee Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

This resting period allows the cookies to set properly and ensures they maintain their delicate texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	145
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	21g
Fat	6g
Fiber	0.5g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein powder — Replace ¼ cup flour with vanilla protein powder for a protein boost while maintaining the creme brulee flavor profile
• Almond flour — Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free, lower-carb version of these easy creme brulee cookies
• Coconut sugar — Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option with caramel notes that complement the brulee flavor
• Coconut oil — Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative that adds subtle tropical notes to your creme brulee cookies
• Greek yogurt — Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while adding protein and maintaining moisture
• Oat flour — Use oat flour as a gluten-free flour alternative that adds fiber and a mild, nutty flavor to your easy creme brulee cookies
• Unsweetened applesauce — Substitute half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce to reduce refined sugar while keeping cookies moist
• Sea salt reduction — Cut salt by half for a low-sodium version that still allows the vanilla and caramel flavors to shine through

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or Earl Grey tea to complement the caramelized sugar topping.
• Serve as an elegant dessert at dinner parties alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Pack in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
• Offer as a sophisticated treat at bridal showers or afternoon tea gatherings.
• Create a dessert platter by arranging these Easy Creme Brulee Cookies with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
• Enjoy as a late-night snack with a glass of cold milk for a comforting crunch.

For a beautiful presentation, dust the serving plate with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder before placing the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops too much gluten. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears for a tender, delicate cookie.
• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Let butter soften to room temperature so it creams properly with the sugar.
• Mistake: Spreading the sugar topping too early before baking. Fix: Sprinkle the turbinado sugar on just before the cookies go into the oven.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries them out and loses the soft center. Fix: Bake until the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
• Mistake: Not chilling the dough, causing cookies to spread excessively. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
• Mistake: Using fine granulated sugar for the crunchy topping. Fix: Use coarse sugar like turbinado for that signature crackly, bruleed crust.
• Mistake: Scooping dough with varying sizes onto the baking sheet. Fix: Use a cookie scoop for uniform size, ensuring even baking.
• Mistake: Placing cookies on a hot baking sheet for subsequent batches. Fix: Always use a cool sheet to prevent the dough from spreading prematurely.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Easy Creme Brulee Cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes until heated through to a food-safe temperature.

Always cool your Easy Creme Brulee Cookies completely before storing to maintain their signature crisp texture.

Conclusion

These Easy Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. We hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below. For more delicious desserts, check out our Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes Recipe and Creme Brulee Cake Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more sweet treats!

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FAQs

Can I make these Easy Creme Brulee Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, bake them fresh when ready to serve. This Easy Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe is flexible for planning ahead.

Why didn’t my cookies get a crispy, bruleed top?

A crispy top requires a thin, even layer of sugar caramelized quickly under high heat. Ensure your broiler is fully preheated and watch closely to avoid burning. Proper technique is key to achieving the signature finish in this Easy Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sugar topping may soften over time, but you can briefly re-crisp it under the broiler. This helps maintain the quality of your Easy Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe.