Name: Crème Brûlée Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 18 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, plus extra for bruleeing; ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Hey y'all! If you love the irresistible combo of creamy custard and caramelized sugar, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Crème Brûlée Cookies. Inspired by the classic French dessert, these cookies have a soft, buttery base and a crackly, caramelized sugar top that's simply swoon-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a milestone, or just want a treat for yourself, these cookies are bound to impress. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

All the flavors of classic crème brûlée in a fun, hand-held cookie form.
The creamy, slightly tangy filling pairs perfectly with the crackly sugar topping.
Simple ingredients and easy directions make them perfect for bakers of all levels.
They make show-stopping treats for parties, bake sales, or special afternoon snacks.
Each cookie is a deliciously unique mashup of soft, chewy, crunchy, and creamy textures.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, plus extra for bruleeing
¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
Add the dry ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms — don’t overmix!

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, heavy cream, and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion the dough and flatten each piece in your palm.
Spoon 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling into the center, then wrap the dough around the filling and roll into a ball, fully sealing the filling inside.
Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers are set. Cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Brûlée the Tops

Sprinkle the tops of each cooled cookie evenly with about 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and turns golden brown. Allow to cool so the tops harden before serving.

Notes

Bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature for the creamiest filling.
If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the cookies for 1-2 minutes—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes if your kitchen is warm to make stuffing and rolling easier.

Variations

Swap in orange zest for a bright citrus spin on the classic flavor.
Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the dough for a café-style twist.
Try using coconut cream cheese for a tropical flair.

Required Equipment

Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Cookie scoop or tablespoon measure
Small kitchen torch
Cooling rack

Storage Instructions

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
The brûléed tops are best enjoyed fresh but stay crunchy for about a day.
Freeze unfilled, unbrûléed cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and finish with the filling and sugar topping before serving.

Suggested Pairings / Serving Recommendations

Serve with a cup of cappuccino, French press coffee, or cold brew for a cozy treat.
Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a bit of acidity and freshness.
Pair with a glass of Champagne or dessert wine for a luxurious finish to any meal.

Pro Tips

Make sure to seal the cookie dough well around the filling to prevent leaks during baking.
For an extra crackly sugar layer, brûlée each cookie twice with a thin layer of sugar each time.
Let brûléed cookies cool completely before serving so the caramelized tops fully harden and crack when bitten.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and cream cheese filling in advance; fill and bake cookies just before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can use your oven broiler: place cookies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning the sugar.

Will the cream cheese filling stay soft?

Yes! The filling stays creamy and luscious inside the cookie as long as you don't overbake the cookies.