Creme Brûlée Cookies

Oh, the sweet, comforting allure of Creme Brûlée Cookies! As the golden aroma of sugar caramelizing fills the kitchen, I can’t help but be transported back to cozy winter evenings at my grandmother’s farmhouse. The crackling fire, the gentle hum of conversation, and the anticipation of tasting a homemade treat made with love. These Creme Brûlée Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delicious memory waiting to be made.

Imagine the joy of biting into a soft sugar cookie topped with creamy vanilla pastry cream, crowned with a perfectly torched brulee topping. Each bite is a tender, sweet symphony of flavors and textures, reminiscent of the classic French dessert but with the ease of a cookie. These cookies are a testament to the magic that happens when simple, quality ingredients come together in the warmth of your kitchen. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly with a cup of tea.

In the heart of these cookies lies a celebration of simplicity and nostalgia — qualities that define the Easy Peasy Recipes brand. Making these cookies offers a delightful pause from the hustle and bustle, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the little joys of home cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding, guiding you step by step to create a treat that’s as comforting as a hug from a loved one.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

These Creme Brûlée Cookies bring a unique twist to traditional desserts, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or a special treat for yourself. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:

1. Nostalgic Comfort: They evoke the classic flavors of creme brûlée, a dessert loved across generations. The delightful combination of creamy and crunchy textures is sure to take you on a trip down memory lane.
2. Simple Joy: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are straightforward and fun to make. The process is as enjoyable as the end result, offering a creative break from the everyday routine.
3. Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. These cookies are as suitable for a festive occasion as they are for a quiet moment of self-care.
4. Delightful Contrast: The creamy, rich vanilla pastry cream contrasts beautifully with the crisp, caramelized sugar topping. This interplay of textures makes every bite intriguing and satisfying.
5. Shared Moments: Baking these cookies is an opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends. Whether it’s a baking session with the kids or a shared dessert at a dinner party, these cookies foster connection and joy.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Creating these delightful cookies is a breeze when you have the right tools on hand:

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for preparing the silky vanilla pastry cream. The even heat distribution ensures the cream thickens perfectly without any lumps.
• Whisk: Helps achieve the perfect texture in your cream and cookie dough. A good whisk can make a significant difference in achieving the right consistency for both the pastry cream and the cookie dough.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy. A stand or hand mixer will save you time and effort, ensuring your ingredients are thoroughly combined for the best texture.
• Cookie Sheets: Line them with parchment for easy baking and cleanup. Parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also promotes even baking, which is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
• Piping Bag: For neatly topping cookies with pastry cream. This tool allows you to control the amount and placement of the cream, ensuring each cookie looks as good as it tastes.
• Kitchen Torch: Adds the final brûlée touch to your cookies. A torch is essential for achieving that signature caramelized sugar topping, giving the cookies their distinctive look and flavor.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 2 1/4 cups (540 ml) whole milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (225 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 3 1/2 tbsp (28 g) cornstarch
• 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, cut in cubes

For the Sugar Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups (313 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup (250 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for rolling the dough in)
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for the brulee topping)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium-low heat until steaming, then reduce to low. This gentle heating ensures the milk doesn’t scald, which could affect the flavor and texture of the cream.
2. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. This mixture forms the base of your pastry cream, so ensure it’s completely smooth to avoid lumps in the final product.
3. Stir in 1/4 of the heated milk vigorously, then combine with the rest. Tempering the egg mixture with a small amount of hot milk prevents the yolks from curdling.
4. Cook mixture in the saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking until thick, about 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the cream and whisk constantly to ensure it thickens evenly.
5. Remove from heat, stir in butter, cover with plastic wrap, and chill. The butter enriches the cream, while chilling it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment.
7. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, which is crucial for a uniform bake.
8. Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, which is vital for the cookies’ soft texture.
9. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until pale and fluffy. The mixture should be well-emulsified before adding the dry ingredients.
10. Gradually mix in dry ingredients on low speed. Mixing on low prevents overdeveloping the gluten, which could make the cookies tough.
11. Scoop and roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, and flatten on cookie sheets. The sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the cookies’ exterior.
12. Bake for 9-10 minutes, cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. The cookies should be set but not overly brown, ensuring they remain soft and tender.
13. Pipe chilled pastry cream on cooled cookies, sprinkle with sugar, and brûlée with a torch. The sugar should caramelize to a golden-brown, forming a crisp shell.
14. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the caramelized sugar to harden, providing the characteristic crunch.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: French-American • Preparation Time: 30 minutes • Cooking Time: 22 minutes • Total Time: 52 minutes • Calories: 250 • Servings: 24

Note: For a twist, try adding a hint of citrus zest to the pastry cream for a refreshing lift. The zest of a lemon or orange can add a bright note, complementing the rich vanilla.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

These Creme Brûlée Cookies not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:

• Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and rich texture while offering calcium and vitamin D. It’s a wholesome ingredient that contributes to the lusciousness of the pastry cream.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Elevates the aroma, adding depth and warmth to the dessert. Vanilla is known for its calming effects and is a beloved flavor enhancer.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute to the richness of the pastry cream and provide essential nutrients like vitamin A and B12. They are crucial for the texture and color of the cream.
• Butter: Enhances the cookie’s texture, making it tender and melt-in-your-mouth. It also adds flavor and richness, making each bite more satisfying.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for the caramelized topping, adding a satisfying crunch and sweetness. The process of caramelization itself adds complexity to the flavor profile of the cookies.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

These cookies are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:

• Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors complement the sweetness of the cookies. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing option that pairs well with the creamy pastry cream. Chamomile or a light mint tea can enhance the vanilla flavors without overpowering them.
• Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and a juicy contrast to the rich cookies. Berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a tartness that cuts through the richness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on the side elevates the indulgence factor. The cold ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy cookies.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

To maintain the delightful texture and flavor of your Creme Brûlée Cookies, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate: Store cookies without the pastry cream in an airtight container for up to three days. Add the cream just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to one month. Thaw and finish with cream and sugar before serving. This makes it easy to enjoy a freshly caramelized treat at any time.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover pastry cream, try using it as a filling for crepes or as a topping for fresh fruit. Its rich, creamy texture pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile leftover.

As you take the time to create these Creme Brûlée Cookies, I hope you find joy in every step, just as I do. May this recipe bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen, reminding you of the simple pleasures of homemade cooking. Let it be a testament to the love that goes into every Easy Peasy recipe, and the love you share with those around you.

Creme Brûlée Cookies

These creme brûlée cookies marry the rich flavor of vanilla pastry cream with the sweetness of sugar cookies, finished with a caramelized topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Chilling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (225 g) granulated white sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 3 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter cut in cubes

Sugar Cookies

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar for rolling the dough in
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar for the brulee topping

Equipment

• Medium Saucepan
• Electric Mixer
• Piping Bag
• Kitchen Torch

Method

 

1. For the Vanilla Pastry Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat just until it’s steaming. Then, turn heat down to low until ready to use.
2. To a large bowl add the egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla and cornstarch and whisk until combined and a pale-yellow color.
3. Add in 1/4 of the heated milk while stirring vigorously. Then, add the rest in and stir to combine.
4. Transfer the mixture to the saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat and cook for 8-12 minutes, whisking continuously, until the mixture is thick and soft peaks form.
5. Remove the pastry cream from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Add in the butter and mix to combine. Place plastic wrap right on top of the pastry cream to prevent a skin from forming. Chill it in the fridge until completely cold.
6. For the Sugar Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
7. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Then set aside.
8. In a large bowl cream together the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until fluffy, about two minutes.
9. Add in the egg and vanilla and mix on medium speed until pale in color and fluffy, 1-2 minutes.
10. Slowly add in the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the dough pulls together.
11. Scoop the dough into balls with a large cookie scoop. Roll into balls. Roll each cookie dough ball in sugar.
12. Place the dough on to parchment-lined cookie sheets and slightly flatten each ball. Bake 6 cookies at a time.
13. Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes, then let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
14. Assembling the Cookies: Transfer the pastry cream to a piping bag fit with a small circular tip. Once the cookies are cooled, pipe pastry cream on top of each cookie.
15. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of sugar over each and use a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar until it is golden brown and smells like roasted marshmallows.
16. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes after torching, then enjoy!

Notes

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh as the pastry cream can make them soggy if left for too long. Add the pastry cream and brûlée topping just before serving for the best texture.