Description
Delight in the decadent Crème Brûlée Cookies, featuring a soft, buttery cookie base topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting coated with caramelized sugar. These cookies offer the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures, inspired by the classic French dessert crème brûlée, making them an irresistible sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cookie Base
- 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (28g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/4 cups (144g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 6 tablespoons (78g) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the room temperature unsalted butter with both granulated and light brown sugars on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This aeration is important for the texture of the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until the dough is cohesive and thick but not sticky. Avoid over mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Use a measuring spoon to form 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes. Remove cookies when edges start to turn golden and centers still appear soft. They will puff up initially and flatten as they cool.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 4-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and ensures the right texture.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
- Frost Cookies: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each cooled cookie.
- Add Sugar Topping: Pour granulated sugar into a small bowl. Turn each frosted cookie upside down and press the frosting into the sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Caramelize Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the granulated sugar on top of each cookie immediately after coating. Allow the tops to cool and harden, creating a crackly, brûléed finish that mimics the classic dessert.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cookies right after torching for the best crackly texture. At room temperature, the crackly topping lasts 2-3 hours. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days—the topping softens but the cookies remain delicious.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies as they can dry out; remove when centers are just set.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar for the authentic brûléed effect; avoid broiling as it may melt the frosting.
- Cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- The crackly topping is best enjoyed within a few hours of torching.
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Keywords: Crème Brûlée Cookies, cream cheese frosting, caramelized sugar, French dessert inspired cookies, soft cookies, brûléed topping
