Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through my kitchen as I remembered my first encounter with crème brûlée. Until that moment, my sweet tooth had been satisfied only by the simplest treats, but I was never quite prepared for the transformation: smooth, creamy custard crowned with a perfectly caramelized sugar shell. Inspired by that classic dessert, I just had to recreate that magic in cookie form with these Chewy Crème Brûlée Cookies. With a rich pastry cream hiding within a chewy cookie exterior, these delightful treats strike the perfect balance between comfort and gourmet indulgence. Quick to whip up, they’re perfect for impressing guests or savoring on a cozy evening in. Are you ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together! Why are these Crème Brûlée Cookies special? Indulgent, these chewy crème brûlée cookies bring a gourmet twist to a classic favorite, offering an unforgettable dessert experience. Rich pastry cream enveloped within soft cookie goodness creates a heavenly contrast of textures. Easily made at home, they require no extensive baking skills. Perfect for special occasions, or just because! After trying these, you may also enjoy our delightful Lemon Raspberry Cookies or the classic Chocolate Chip Cookies for a tasty variety. Creme Brûlée Cookies Ingredients For the Pastry Cream Whole Milk (2 1/4 cups / 540 ml) – Provides the creamy base for the pastry cream; heat until steaming but not boiling. Egg Yolks (6) – Adds richness and acts as a thickener for the pastry cream; no substitutes are recommended for this role. Granulated Sugar (1 cup + 2 tbsp / 225 g) – Sweetens and balances the flavors; ensure it’s fine to caramelize for the brûlée topping. Salt (1/8 tsp) – Enhances overall flavor; use kosher salt as a substitute if needed. Vanilla Bean Paste (1 1/2 tbsp) – Provides intense vanilla flavor; can substitute with pure vanilla extract at half the amount. Cornstarch (3 1/2 tbsp / 28 g) – Thickens the pastry cream; no substitutes necessary. Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp / 42 g) – Adds richness; for a dairy-free version, you can use margarine. For the Cookie Dough Granulated Sugar (1 1/4 cups / 250 g) – Sweetens the cookie dough for a delightful taste. All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups / 313 g) – Provides structure to the cookies; for gluten-free, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Baking Powder (1/2 tsp) – Helps cookies rise, contributing to their chewy texture; ensure it’s fresh for best results. Salt (1/2 tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor; adjust as needed. Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 224 g) – Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough. Granulated Sugar for rolling (1/2 cup / 100 g) – Envelops cookie dough for a sweet crust. These creme brûlée cookies combine indulgent flavors and textures, making them an unforgettable dessert experience! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creme Brûlée Cookies Step 1: Prepare Pastry Cream Begin by heating 2 1/4 cups of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, but do not let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 egg yolks, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla bean paste, and 3 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the mixture turns pale. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly, then return it to the heat. Cook while whisking continuously for 8-12 minutes until thickened. Step 2: Finish Pastry Cream Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and creamy. Allow the pastry cream to cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature. Then, transfer it to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing it against the surface to avoid a skin), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled and set. Step 3: Make Cookie Dough Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, mixing until well combined. Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Once a dough forms, use your hands to scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat evenly, creating a sweet crust for your creme brûlée cookies. Step 5: Bake Cookies Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the coated cookie dough balls on the sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, watching for a golden edge while the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Step 6: Assemble Cookies Once the cookies are fully cooled, take the chilled pastry cream from the refrigerator and pipe or spoon a generous dollop onto the center of each cookie. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the pastry cream. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on top until it’s golden brown and bubbly, akin to the top of traditional crème brûlée. Step 7: Serve and Delight Serve the assembled creme brûlée cookies immediately for the best experience, ensuring that each bite has that delightful contrast of chewy cookie, rich cream, and a satisfying crack of burnt sugar. Consider enjoying them with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch! Creme Brûlée Cookies Variations Get ready to customize your crème brûlée cookies for a dessert experience that truly reflects your taste! Almond Twist: Substitute almond extract for vanilla to give your cookies a nutty, rich flavor. Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the cookie dough for a zesty contrast to the sweet pastry cream. This brightens the dessert and offers a refreshing surprise in every bite. Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chunks into your dough for a decadently rich upgrade! Berry Bliss: Top the cookies with fresh berries after piping the pastry cream for a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness. They pair beautifully with the creamy filling. Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine to easily adapt these cookies for a dairy-free diet. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies safe for those with gluten intolerance while capturing that beloved chewy texture. Spiced Sensation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for an extra layer of warm flavor that complements the creamy filling. It’s a cozy twist! Extra Crunch: After assembling, consider sprinkling crushed pistachios or toasted coconut on top of the caramelized sugar layer to bring additional texture and flavor. These variations allow you to play with flavors and textures. Which one will you try first? If you’re inspired by unique combinations, you might also love our delightful Zucchini Bread Cookies or the flavorful Orange Creamsicle Cookies for even more delicious options! What to Serve with Chewy Creme Brûlée Cookies Pair these heavenly cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance their luxurious flavors and textures. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness of the cookies. Their brightness cuts through the richness beautifully. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch, balancing the chewy texture with its fluffiness. It’s an effortless way to elevate your dessert experience. Espresso or Coffee: A cup of strong espresso or your favorite coffee brings out the vanilla notes in the cookies, creating a comforting pairing that feels utterly indulgent. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your crème brûlée cookies creates a luscious, decadent twist. The blend of chocolate and pastry cream is irresistible! Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream serves as a cool counterpoint, complementing the warm cookies with a creamy richness. Together, they create a delightful fusion of flavors. Coconut Milk Pudding: For a unique dessert experience, serve alongside a chilled coconut milk pudding. Its smoothness and subtle flavor enhance the crème brûlée cookies while adding an exotic flair. Zesty Lemon Curd: A spoonful of tangy lemon curd provides a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies. This balance just might make it your new favorite pairing! Mint Tea: A refreshing cup of mint tea cleanses the palate, making it a soothing option after rich desserts. Its herbal notes beautifully complement the flavors of the cookies. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Sweet, vibrant strawberries dipped in chocolate add both a visual and flavorful appeal to your dessert table. The combination of fresh fruit and richness indeed creates a festive experience. Storage Tips for Creme Brûlée Cookies Room Temperature: Keep plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their chewy texture without making them soggy. Fridge: Avoid refrigerating cookies, as this can alter their texture, making them dry and less enjoyable. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling and caramelizing for the best results. Reheating: If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the pastry cream. Expert Tips for Chewy Creme Brûlée Cookies Accurate Measurements: Ensure precision while measuring flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies. Continuous Whisking: Always whisk continuously when heating the pastry cream; this prevents scorching and ensures a smooth texture. Using a Torch: Opt for a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping—using an oven broiler can result in uneven melting of the cream. Timing for Assembly: Only assemble your cookies with pastry cream when you’re ready to serve to keep them from becoming soggy and to maintain that delightful crunch. Cooling Period: Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their perfect chewy texture before adding the pastry cream. Make Ahead Options These Crème Brûlée Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pastry cream up to 3 days in advance; just make sure to press plastic wrap against its surface to prevent browning. Additionally, the cookie dough can be rolled into balls and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough out of the fridge and roll it in sugar before baking as described. For the best quality, assemble the cookies with the pastry cream and caramelized sugar just before serving, ensuring they remain deliciously fresh and irresistible! Creme Brûlée Cookies Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting the right vanilla bean paste? Absolutely! When choosing vanilla bean paste, look for a product with a rich aroma and a deep, dark color. High-quality vanilla bean paste will have visible specks of vanilla and should not be overly thick or too runny. Check the ingredient list; it should contain real vanilla beans without additives for the best flavor in your crème brûlée cookies! How should I store leftover cookies to maintain freshness? Very important! For leftover crème brûlée cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their chewy texture. Avoid refrigerating them, as that can lead to unwanted moisture and make them soggy. If you have unfilled cookies, they can be stored the same way for better results! Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how? Of course! To freeze your crème brûlée cookies, first ensure they are completely cooled. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and then fill with pastry cream and caramelize the sugar on top just before serving. What if my pastry cream doesn’t thicken properly? Not to worry! If your pastry cream hasn’t thickened after the initial cooking time, continue to cook it a bit longer while whisking continuously. Make sure to keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning. If it’s still not thick enough, you can mix a little more cornstarch (dissolved in a tablespoon of cold milk) and add it to the mixture while whisking, then heat again until it thickens to your desired consistency. Are these cookies safe for young children or anyone with allergies? Definitely! However, be cautious with young children and anyone with egg, dairy, or gluten allergies since these crème brûlée cookies contain eggs, milk, and all-purpose flour. You can easily modify the recipe for dietary restrictions by opting for dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or margarine and using a gluten-free flour blend. Always consult about allergies before serving! Chewy Creme Brûlée Cookies for Ultimate Indulgence No ratings yet Delight in these Chewy Creme Brûlée Cookies, a gourmet twist on a classic dessert with rich pastry cream inside a chewy cookie. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Pastry Cream2.25 cups Whole Milk Heat until steaming but not boiling.6 large Egg Yolks No substitutes recommended.1.125 cups Granulated Sugar Use fine sugar for caramelization.1/8 tsp Salt Kosher salt can be used as a substitute.1.5 tbsp Vanilla Bean Paste Can substitute with pure vanilla extract.3.5 tbsp Cornstarch No substitutes necessary.3 tbsp Unsalted Butter Use margarine for dairy-free.Cookie Dough1.25 cups Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cookie dough.2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.1/2 tsp Baking Powder Ensure freshness for best results.1/2 tsp Salt Adjust as needed.1 cup Unsalted Butter Adds richness and moisture.0.5 cups Granulated Sugar for rolling Coats the cookie dough. Equipment saucepanMixing bowlsElectric MixerBaking SheetParchment Paperkitchen torch Method Pastry Cream PreparationHeat 2 1/4 cups of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, but do not let it boil.Whisk together 6 egg yolks, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons of vanilla bean paste, and 3 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch until pale.Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly, then return it to the heat.Cook while whisking continuously for 8-12 minutes until thickened.Mix in 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and creamy. Allow to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes.Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled and set.Cookie Dough PreparationPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.Cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.Add in 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, mixing until combined.Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter until just combined.Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.Bake and Assemble CookiesLine a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookie dough balls on the sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.Gently flatten each ball with your palm. Bake for 9-10 minutes until the edges are golden and centers remain soft.Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Once cookies are cooled, take chilled pastry cream and pipe or spoon onto each cookie.Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the pastry cream and caramelize with a kitchen torch. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesServe immediately for the best experience, considering pairing with fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra special touch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
