Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate fusion of velvety custard, caramelized sugar, and pillowy cookie, these Crème Brûlée Cookies absolutely deliver. Each bite captures the magic of classic crème brûlée—with its delicate, crackly top and dreamy filling—but in the playful form of a hand-held treat. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to an afternoon delight, this recipe quickly becomes an unforgettable favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Crème Brûlée Cookies is surprisingly easy, thanks to a handful of pantry staples and a couple of star ingredients that truly set these cookies apart. Each component brings something special to the flavor, texture, or signature brûléed finish.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter builds the rich, tender base and helps the cookies bake up with soft centers and lightly crisp edges.
• Granulated sugar: Divided for the dough, cream cheese mixture, and that all-important brûlée topping, sugar sweetens and provides the signature caramelized crunch.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle, deeper molasses flavor to balance the sweetness and gives a chewier bite.
• Large eggs: Bind the cookie dough, add lift, and contribute to a super soft crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Essential for authentic crème brûlée flavor—don’t skimp on the good stuff!
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure and just the right amount of chew to each cookie.
• Baking powder: Ensures perfect rise and prevents cookies from being too dense.
• Baking soda: Works with the brown sugar to tenderize the cookies and deepen color.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: The secret weapon—this adds custardy flavor while keeping cookies ultra-moist and soft.
• Cream cheese: Provides the creamy, tangy center reminiscent of crème brûlée’s creamy custard layer.
• Granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling): Slightly sweetens the creamy center, echoing the classic dessert’s lush filling.
• Granulated sugar (for brûlée topping): This small final sprinkle is your ticket to the glorious glassy, caramelized sugar cap.

How to Make Crème Brûlée Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup. This simple step also ensures your Crème Brûlée Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making every batch just as pretty as the last.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, airy, and pale—this process helps whip air into the dough, resulting in fluffy, tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This not only gives the dough structure but also brings that unmistakable depth of vanilla flavor that’s synonymous with crème brûlée.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution—in every bite, you’ll get the perfect balance of softness, lift, and flavor.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Take your time and avoid overmixing, which helps keep your Crème Brûlée Cookies tender and pillowy (never tough!).

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Center

In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This luscious center is what sets these cookies apart, creating that perfect bite of faux-custard in every cookie.

Step 7: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it slightly in your hand or on a sheet of parchment, add a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Carefully seal the edges and roll the filled dough into a ball. It’s a little like wrapping a tiny treasure—because, truly, these are!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the stuffed dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden. Resist overbaking—the cookies should be slightly soft in the middle as they’ll firm up after cooling.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. A little patience pays off here; slightly cooled cookies hold their shape better for the brûlée finish.

Step 10: The Signature Brûlée Topping

Once the Crème Brûlée Cookies are fully cooled, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each. Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the tops until golden and crisp. That glassy, shatter-on-impact sugar crust is what takes these cookies from delicious to legendary!

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or even a little dab of whipped cream takes the visual appeal of your Crème Brûlée Cookies up a notch. Edible flowers or a sliver of vanilla bean can also elevate their elegance for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cup of strong espresso, hot tea, or even a little glass of dessert wine for an irresistibly indulgent treat. The cookies’ custardy center and caramelized tops play beautifully with creamy lattes or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve Crème Brûlée Cookies on a platter alongside classic crème brûlée in ramekins so everyone can enjoy both formats. You can even gift them in decorative boxes for holidays or special events—each bite is a sweet surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store Crème Brûlée Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because of the cream cheese filling, don’t leave them out longer—if you need to store them more than 3 days, pop them in the fridge instead.

Freezing

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Lay cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, placing parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and brûlée the tops just before serving for crunch.

Reheating

Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature. If you’d like to restore that crisp brûlée top, sprinkle on a touch more sugar and quickly torch them again—almost like they’re fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Crème Brûlée Cookies without a kitchen torch?

Yes! If you don’t have a torch, try using your oven’s broiler. Place cookies under the broiler on high for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so the sugar doesn’t burn. The result isn’t quite as precise, but you’ll still get that sweet, crackly top.

What’s the best way to stuff the cookies?

Use two spoons or a small cookie scoop to portion the dough and filling, flatten the first scoop, add the cream cheese, then cover it with another scoop. Pinch the edges together with your fingers and gently roll to seal—it’s easier than it sounds!

Can these be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free. The results are just as soft, custardy, and delicious.

Why is instant pudding mix used in the dough?

Instant vanilla pudding mix gives the Crème Brûlée Cookies that ultra-soft texture and subtle custard flavor, making them taste like classic crème brûlée in cookie form. It’s a game changer you won’t want to skip.

How far in advance can I prepare the dough?

You can make the cookie dough and cream cheese filling up to 2 days ahead. Store the dough tightly wrapped in the fridge, then shape, fill, and bake when you’re ready for fresh, warm cookies with the perfect brûléed finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends or simply treat yourself, Crème Brûlée Cookies are pure magic in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they become your most-requested dessert! Give them a try and enjoy all the creamy, caramelized joy they bring straight from your kitchen.

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