As the holiday season approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable—twinkling lights, warm gatherings, and, of course, the tantalizing scents wafting through the kitchen. Last December, I found myself experimenting with a unique twist on a classic dessert, and that’s when these Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies came to life. It all started with a craving for that creamy, caramelized goodness of crème brûlée but with the added joy of cookie crunch.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, buttery cookie with a delicate crust, reminiscent of the smooth custard beneath that tantalizing brûléed sugar topping. Not only are these cookies irresistibly delicious, but they also come together in just under thirty minutes—perfect for those unexpectedly delightful visits from friends or family during the busy holiday rush. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen with this festive recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies
- These Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delightful batch in under thirty minutes.
- You’ll love the rich and buttery flavor combined with the satisfying crunch of the caramelized sugar topping, making each bite a holiday treat.
- Their versatility means they can be a perfect addition to holiday gatherings, gift baskets, or simply enjoyed at home with loved ones.
- Plus, the stunning visual appeal of the brûléed top will surely impress your guests and make your cookies the star of any dessert table.
Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Unsalted butter – provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- Brown sugar – brings a deeper flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Large eggs – helps bind the ingredients for a tender cookie.
- Pure vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour – the foundation for the cookie’s structure and stability.
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise, giving them a soft, chewy texture.
For the Topping
- Heavy cream – adds richness, making the cookies reminiscent of classic crème brûlée.
- Additional granulated sugar – caramelizes beautifully on top, creating that signature crunchy layer for the Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies.
How to Make Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes—this step is key for texture!
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Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract, ensuring everything is smooth and well-blended.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, ensuring a smooth and consistent dough.
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Fold in the Heavy Cream: Gently fold in the heavy cream until it’s fully blended into the dough, giving your cookies that rich crème brûlée flavor we all love.
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Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, placing them about two inches apart. Bake these little delights for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
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Caramelize the Topping: Once baked, while the cookies are still warm, sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar on top of each cookie. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize until golden brown and crispy, creating the perfect brûléed crust.
Optional: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon before caramelizing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the dough fresh and prevent any browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheet and follow the baking instructions as normal. For the final touch, remember to caramelize the sugar topping just before serving for that delightful crunch! With these make ahead tips, you’ll have delicious cookies ready with minimal fuss when you need them most.
What to Serve with Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies?
Create a festive spread that will dazzle your loved ones during the holidays with these delightful pairings.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: Warm, velvety hot chocolate enhances the cookie’s buttery flavor, making every bite feel cozy and indulgent.
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Spiced Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink perfectly complements the vanilla notes in the cookies, creating a symphony of holiday flavors.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy caramel topping.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip the cookies in rich chocolate fondue for an extra decadent dessert experience that your guests will rave about.
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Minty Green Tea: The subtle, fresh flavor of mint tea cleanses the palate after indulging in the rich cookies, creating a balanced tasting experience.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Pairing these luscious cookies with spiced gingerbread offers a delightful textural and flavor contrast that embodies the essence of Christmas.
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Cranberry Tart: The tartness of cranberry balances the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing bite that enhances the holiday spirit.
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Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey: For the adults, a shot of this warm, spicy whiskey adds a festive kick that pairs well with the cookies’ sweet notes.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving cookies alongside creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature contrast, elevating the overall holiday dessert table.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer-lasting freshness, keep cookies in the fridge, wrapped tightly or in a sealed container, for up to a week.
Freezer: Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked taste, reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes before serving.
Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies Variations
Customize these delightful cookies to suit your tastes and dietary preferences with these fun and tasty variations!
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Nutty Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delicious crunch and added flavor that elevates the cookies even more.
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Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder and fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a rich, decadent chocolate crème brûlée experience.
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Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday spice that gives these cookies a cozy twist—perfect for the festive season.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. This swap retains the rich flavor while accommodating lactose-free diets.
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Gluten-Free Magic: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free for a delightful gluten-free treat.
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Fruit-Infused: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a burst of sweetness and chewy texture that complements the buttery cookies nicely.
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Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramelized sugar topping.
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Flavored Sugar Topper: Experiment with flavored sugars, like vanilla or cinnamon sugar, for the caramelized topping to give each cookie a unique, aromatic twist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature for better incorporation and a fluffy texture.
- Avoid overmixing once you add the flour to maintain a tender cookie.
- For the best caramelized topping, sprinkle just enough sugar to form an even layer without looking sparse or too thick.
- Keep a close eye while caramelizing the sugar as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly under the heat.
Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies?
Absolutely! For this recipe, fresh and high-quality ingredients make all the difference. When selecting your butter, make sure it’s unsalted and at room temperature for easy mixing. For eggs, choose ones that are large and fresh, preferably organic. Fresh heavy cream is also essential for that rich flavor; avoid any that are close to their expiration date.
What is the best way to store Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, wrap them tightly and place them in the fridge for up to a week. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze these delectable cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Oh no! If your cookies spread excessively, it might be due to warm butter or not enough flour. To fix this, ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and check that you’re accurately measuring your flour—using the spoon-and-level method is best. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help maintain their shape during baking.
Are these Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Very! While these cookies contain dairy and eggs, you can substitute with vegan butter and egg replacements like flaxseed or applesauce for a dairy-free version. If you have concerns about allergies, always check your ingredients for cross-contamination, especially if you’re serving them to guests with specific dietary needs.
How long will the caramelized sugar topping stay crunchy?
Great question! The sugar topping on your Christmas Crème Brûlée Cookies will remain crunchy for a few hours after caramelizing. However, if stored, it can start to soften due to moisture. For the best texture, I recommend caramelizing the sugar just before serving. If you’re making these for a party, consider preparing the cookies in advance and finishing the toppings at the last minute.
Equipment
- oven
- Mixing Bowls
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Kitchen torch or broiler
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar packed
- 2 large Large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in the heavy cream until fully blended into the dough.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, placing them about two inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Once baked, sprinkle granulated sugar on top of each cookie while still warm and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon before caramelizing.
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