Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines the elegance of a French classic with the joys of a homemade cookie, look no further than these Crème Brûlée Cookies. With soft vanilla cookie bases, creamy pudding frosting, and that unmistakable crackling sugar top, every bite is a showstopper perfect for sharing—or savoring solo! Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply in the mood to treat yourself, these cookies manage to be both simple and sensational, capturing the very best of two beloved desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with everyday ingredients, each playing their own delicious part to create the iconic Crème Brûlée Cookies experience. From the buttery cookie dough to the caramelized sugar topping, these staples transform into something extraordinary!

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their sturdy, chewy structure—sift before mixing for extra fluffiness.
• Baking soda: Lends the perfect lift for lighter, airier cookies.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Used in both the cookies and frosting for supreme richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and caramelizes for the signature brûlée topping on each cookie.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses depth, keeping cookies soft.
• Vanilla extract: Delivers aromatic warmth central to both cookie and frosting.
• Large eggs: Bind the dough and add decadent richness.
• Vanilla instant pudding mix: The secret to ultra-creamy frosting with a nostalgic vanilla punch.
• Cold milk: Activates the pudding, ensuring a luscious, spreadable consistency.
• Heavy whipping cream: Fluffs up the frosting for that dreamy, bakery finish.
• Powdered sugar: Smooth and sweet, it transforms the frosting into a creamy cloud.
• Granulated sugar (for brûlée topping): The essential step for crackly, golden caramelized tops—don’t skip it!

How to Make Crème Brûlée Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures that the cookies bake evenly and slide right off the tray later—no sticking, no mess!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This lets the leavening agent and salt distribute perfectly, so every bite tastes just right.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar using a hand mixer on medium/high speed. Mix until the blend becomes light and airy—think soft clouds and a subtle caramel scent wafting through your kitchen. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything looks smooth and combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold your dry ingredient mixture into the wet using a spatula. Only mix until just combined—overmixing can toughen the cookies. You’ll end up with a soft, slightly sticky dough that promises great things ahead.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape Cookies

Use a large cookie scoop to portion out even mounds of dough. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball, and space them out (about 6 per tray) to give each cookie plenty of room to spread. A bit of spacing now ensures gorgeous, bakery-sized cookies later.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden, while the centers remain a tad soft—they’ll firm up as they cool for that perfect chewy bite.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gives their interiors time to set and keeps them from breaking during the next delicious steps.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Pudding Frosting

In a small bowl, mix your vanilla instant pudding mix with cold milk, whisking until it thickens gorgeously. In a separate large bowl, beat more softened butter and vanilla extract until creamy, then blend in the pudding and heavy cream. Add powdered sugar, and keep mixing until you have a smooth, dreamy frosting that holds its shape.

Step 9: Pipe and Chill

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, then spiral a generous swirl onto each cooled cookie. Place the piped cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes—this little chilling trick helps the frosting stay perfect during the brûlée process!

Step 10: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Once the frosting is set, dust each frosted cookie with a layer of granulated sugar. Use a kitchen butane torch to gently caramelize the top—move slowly and evenly until the sugar melts into a golden, glassy crackle. The best part? That moment of breaking into the crisp brûlée shell!

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries alongside your Crème Brûlée Cookies brings a lovely pop of color and contrast. If you’re feeling extra, a tiny sprig of mint on the side adds a beautiful aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with good coffee, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a creamy hot chocolate for an elegant treat. For dinner parties, a plate of Crème Brûlée Cookies alongside fresh fruit salad or a sparkling glass of dessert wine really makes dessert feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving each cookie atop a small plate lined with parchment and a spun sugar garnish for a restaurant-worthy look. Alternatively, box them up in pretty gift boxes, or display them on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching party centerpiece that dazzles guests before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After caramelizing, let the cookies cool completely and store them in a single layer in an airtight container. Aim to enjoy your Crème Brûlée Cookies within two days for ultimate taste and texture—the topping will stay crisp and the frosting wonderfully creamy.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months by layering them in a zip-top freezer bag with parchment between each. Thaw at room temperature before adding fresh frosting and brûlée topping for that signature crackle and creaminess.

Reheating

If you want to revive the crisp topping, quickly torch the sugar layer again after letting cookies come to room temperature. Avoid microwaving, which can melt the frosting and soften the brûlée—your kitchen torch is your best friend here!

FAQs

Do I really need a kitchen torch to make Crème Brûlée Cookies?

For that authentic shatteringly crisp caramelized sugar topping, yes—a kitchen torch is your easiest and safest bet. However, if you don’t have one, you can try briefly using your oven’s broiler (watching very closely!), but results can vary and the frosting may soften slightly.

Can I make these cookies ahead for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookie bases and prepare the frosting a day ahead. Frost and brûlée them right before serving for maximum flavor and that iconic crunchy top.

What’s the best way to store Crème Brûlée Cookies overnight?

Keep them in a single layer in an airtight container at a cool room temperature. If possible, caramelize the sugar right before serving so that the topping remains crisp and glassy.

Is it possible to use homemade pudding instead of instant mix for the frosting?

Yes, homemade vanilla pudding will work—just make sure it’s thick and completely cooled before incorporating it with the other frosting ingredients, so that you keep that sturdy, pipable texture.

Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?

Of course! Adjust your scoop size and keep an eye on baking times: smaller cookies may need a minute or two less, while larger ones need slightly more. Just make sure the edges turn lightly golden before pulling them from the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress, treat yourself, or simply share a moment of joy, these Crème Brûlée Cookies are your ticket. With that golden crackle and creamy frosting layered on buttery soft cookie bases, you’ll discover just how easy a little magic can be. Gather your ingredients, fire up your torch, and enjoy the sweet, unforgettable break of sugar with every bite!

Print