Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with these irresistible Crème Brûlée Cookies! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with a rich buttery flavor, adorned with a perfectly caramelized sugar top that crackles just like the classic dessert. These scrumptious treats bring the elegance of Crème Brûlée right into cookie form, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to please!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a beautiful base for your cookies.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, allowing those sweet fragrances to fill your kitchen.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamy wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the heavy cream, which will add a luscious richness to your dough, until it becomes smooth and velvety.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look slightly soft.
- Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the tops of the cookies with granulated sugar, creating that signature Crème Brûlée topping.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on top of the cookies until it transforms into a golden, bubbly layer. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under the broiler for about a minute, but keep a close watch to avoid burning.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma while they cool!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla bean paste to the dough. This will enhance the vanilla notes and give your cookies a gourmet touch. Also, if you prefer your cookies with a little extra chocolate, feel free to fold in some mini chocolate chips!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of caramelizing sugar is key to achieving that perfect Crème Brûlée texture on top of your cookies. Using a kitchen torch gives you precise control over the caramelizing process, while broiling can achieve similar results — just be vigilant, as sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly!
FAQ
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for easier scooping.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The caramelized sugar top may lose its crunch over time, but the flavor will still be divine!
Conclusion
These Crème Brûlée Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering a wonderful balance of textures and flavors in every bite. With their buttery cookies and crackling tops, they are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. So, gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of these delightful cookies — they are sure to become a favorite in your home!