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Creme Brûlée Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 65 reviews

These Creme Brûlée Sugar Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavors of classic crème brûlée with the soft, tender texture of sugar cookies. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and finished with a caramelized sugar crust using a kitchen torch, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Frosting and Topping

  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth, thick dough forms.
  4. Shape and Bake Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop, portion tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Press each ball down lightly to flatten slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.
  5. Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheets for 2 to 3 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  7. Frost and Sugar Coat: Spread about one tablespoon of cream cheese frosting onto the top of each cooled cookie. Immediately press the frosted side into the granulated sugar to coat the frosting evenly.
  8. Caramelize Sugar: Just before serving, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the granulated sugar on top of each cookie until golden and crisp. Allow the caramelized sugar to cool and harden before serving.
  9. Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

  • If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can place the cookies briefly under a broiler to caramelize the sugar, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are properly softened for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Cookies can be frozen after baking and frosting (before caramelizing). Thaw completely before torching the sugar topping.
  • For best results, use kosher salt for balanced seasoning without overwhelming the sweetness.
  • Press the dough balls gently to ensure even baking and prevent doming.

Keywords: Creme Brulee Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Caramelized Sugar, Dessert Cookies, Easy Baking Recipe