Creme Brûlée Sugar Cookies Recipe
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.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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