Description
These crème brûlée-inspired sugar cookies combine soft, buttery dough with a caramelized sugar topping for a sophisticated holiday treat. The perfect combination of sweetness and crunch for any special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups toasted sugar (divided)*
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Cream cheese frosting (use your favorite recipe or store-bought)
- Remaining toasted sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 1¼ cups of toasted sugar and the butter until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and scrape down the bowl to ensure an even mixture.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three batches, mixing just until incorporated. - Portion and Chill:
Use a medium cookie scoop to portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the portions close together (not touching), as they won’t be baked yet.
Cover the tray with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. - Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the chilled dough portions 1½ inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack. - Frost and Brûlée:
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over each cooled cookie.
Sprinkle the remaining toasted sugar evenly over the frosting.
Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by passing the flame evenly over the surface until golden and bubbly.
Tip: Keep the torch 4–6 inches away and make quick passes to avoid melting the frosting.
Notes
- Toasted Sugar: To make toasted sugar, simply spread sugar on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes a golden brown.
- Chilling the dough is essential for better texture and easier handling, so don’t skip this step!
- You can use any frosting you prefer, but cream cheese adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the caramelized sugar topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg