Delicious Creme Brulee Cookies To Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings

You know that feeling when you stumble upon a dessert that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave you feeling guilty afterward? That’s exactly how I discovered Creme Brulee Cookies—a surprising twist on the classic custard and caramel combo I adore. One quiet afternoon, I was craving something sweet but nourishing. Instead of reaching for the usual cookies loaded with extra sugar and butter, I decided to play with flavors inspired by my favorite caramelized sugar cookies and custard flavored cookies I’d seen online.

This little experiment in my kitchen turned out to be a game-changer. Creme Brulee Cookies are perfect for those of us who want something crispy, creamy, and just a bit caramelized without overdoing it. Their signature crisp caramel cookie topping contrasts beautifully with the creamy cookie filling inside. Plus, they fit right into my philosophy of balanced eating—satisfying that sweet tooth while using simple, wholesome ingredients.

I’ve found these cookies to be a delight for weeknight snacks or sharing with friends over coffee. What makes these Creme Brulee Cookies sustainable for me is how easy they are to prepare and how adaptable the recipe feels. Sometimes I tweak the sweetness or add a hint of vanilla; other times I bring in brown sugar to get closer to that burnt sugar cookie recipe vibe.

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious treat that doesn’t complicate your healthy-eating goals, trust me, you’ll want to try this recipe. I encourage you, fellow home cooks, to give these Creme brulee cookie with caramelized sugar a go. They’re simple, rewarding, and fit seamlessly into everyday life.

Ingredients for Creme Brulee Cookies laid out on a surface

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup almond flour (No stress if you don’t have this; all-purpose flour works fine for Creme Brulee Cookies too—even just half and half for a softer texture)
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar (I often swap this for brown sugar to bring out more caramel notes in these custard flavored cookies)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 large egg (For that creamy cookie filling texture)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free touch)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (You can find this in the baking aisle of your grocery store)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (Optional, but it ups the creaminess factor perfectly in these Creme Brulee Cookies)
  • 2 tablespoons raw sugar or turbinado sugar (For sprinkling on top to get that crisp caramel cookie topping)

This Creme Brulee Cookies ingredient list is intentionally simple because good food doesn’t need to be complicated or pricey. Almond flour keeps it a bit nutty and nourishing, but you can keep costs low by using regular flour.

Quick kitchen tip: soften your butter in short bursts in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, rather than leaving it all day out—that way, your Creme Brulee Cookies dough comes together smoothly. And if you have leftovers, store them airtight for up to 3 days, or freeze to keep their texture intact.

Let’s Make It Together!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked Creme Brulee Cookies with that crisp caramel cookie topping.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt. This blend is the base of your custard flavored cookies, giving you that soft, tender crumb.

3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and rich—this creamy cookie filling is what makes the cookies special.

4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until combined. Don’t overmix; your batter should be thick but scoopable.

5. Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Here’s where you sprinkle the raw sugar or turbinado sugar on top to create that signature crisp caramel cookie topping.

6. Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery soon! While waiting, you can tidy up or brew a cup of tea. The cookies are ready when edges start to turn golden and the tops look lightly caramelized.

7. Let your Creme Brulee Cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack. This resting time helps preserve their delicate texture.

Here’s where I used to overcomplicate my Creme Brulee Cookies—adding too many mix-ins or fiddling with baking times. Turns out simpler is better for that crisp outside and creamy inside combo.

Finished Creme Brulee Cookies served with coffee

How I Love to Serve This!

These Creme Brulee Cookies shine best with a warm drink—a freshly brewed coffee or chai is my go-to. The caramelized sugar cookies paired with your cup feel like a tiny, cozy celebration.

For an easy side, I love spreading a little cream cheese or mascarpone on the side to dip these custard flavored cookies into. It boosts creaminess and keeps things interesting without extra effort.

Perfect for casual get-togethers or a sweet finish to weekday meals. They’re also a lovely treat when you’re craving a fancy dessert without the fuss.

Leftovers? They freeze beautifully and taste just as incredible thawed and warmed. A friend told me these remind her of the dessert versions with three layers of caramelized sugar she enjoyed elsewhere—such a compliment!

Seasonal twist? I’ve added a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during fall markets, which gave the creme brulee cookies a warming touch.

For more cozy cookie ideas, check out my Chocolate Cut Out Heart Cookies or these Orange Clove Cookies that carry a similar easy vibe but different flavor profiles.

Common Questions Answered

  • Can I make this Creme Brulee Cookies ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and freeze like a charm. Just thaw and warm up for that fresh-baked feel.
  • What if I don’t have all the ingredients? No worries. For a burnt sugar cookie recipe effect, you can add a bit more brown sugar or swap almond flour with all-purpose. Don’t have heavy cream? A splash of milk or even Greek yogurt works in a pinch.
  • How do I adjust the flavor of these Creme Brulee Cookies to my taste? Try adding a dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even some lemon zest for a bright contrast. Each twist gives a new personality to your caramelized sugar cookies.
  • Are these suitable for dairy-free diets? Swap butter with coconut oil and replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy cookie filling without dairy.
  • What makes the caramel cookie topping so crisp? Raw or turbinado sugar sprinkled on top caramelizes in the oven, creating that irresistible crisp layer. Don’t skip this step for authentic Creme Brulee Cookies texture.
  • Can I double the batch? For sure! Just keep an eye on baking times—they might need an extra minute or two when the oven is fuller.
  • Why are my Creme Brulee Cookies flat? Usually because the dough is too warm or overmixed. Chill your dough for 15 minutes before scooping to keep cookies puffy and soft inside.

If you want more inspiration, Cooking With Karli offers a fantastic Creme Brûlée Cookie Recipe with helpful tips that complement this version nicely.

Final Thoughts

Creme Brulee Cookies have truly found a special spot in my kitchen routine. They’re a sweet treat that honors the balance between indulgence and nourishment.

My Favorite Creme Brulee Cookies Tips:

  • Using raw sugar on top is a simple step that makes a big difference in texture and flavor
  • Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract; it lifts the custard flavored cookies beautifully
  • A quick chill for the dough helps keep the cookies perfectly thick with that creamy cookie filling inside

I’ve tried variations with a touch of espresso powder, lemon zest, and even swapped in oat flour for a different twist. But I always come back to the classic burnt sugar cookie recipe vibes with that crispy caramel cookie topping for comfort.

Fellow home cooks, I hope you give these Creme Brulee Cookies a try and find your own favorite way to enjoy them. They’re forgiving, friendly, and full of heart—just like good food should be.

When you do, I’d love to hear how you made them your own. Here’s to more feel-good food moments in your kitchen!

Also, if you’re curious about other easy, nourishing cookie options, check out my simple cake mix cookies—they’re perfect for days when you’re short on time but still want delicious treats.

And just to keep the caramelized sugar vibes going strong, here’s a fun take on creme brulee doughnuts with three layers of caramelized sugar that might inspire your next kitchen adventure.

Print

Creme Brulee Cookies

Indulge in these rich, caramelized Creme Brulee Cookies featuring a crisp brûléed sugar topping and a soft, buttery center that captures the essence of the classic dessert.

  • Author: Zaya Dawson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for brulee topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
  8. Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
  9. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle about a teaspoon of granulated sugar over each cookie.
  10. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar topping until it is golden and crisp. Allow cookies to cool completely.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, serve these cookies with a small dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor and contrast.

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