Crème Brûlée Shortbread Cookies (Printable)
Buttery cookies topped with vanilla custard and crisp caramelized sugar for an elegant dessert experience.
# Ingredient List:
→ Shortbread Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
02 - 2/3 cup powdered sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Crème Brûlée Custard
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
09 - 2 large egg yolks
→ Caramelized Sugar Topping
10 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar for torching
# Steps:
01 - Cream butter and powdered sugar in large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract until incorporated.
02 - Sift flour and salt into butter mixture. Mix until just combined and dough forms without overworking.
03 - Divide dough in half and shape into 2-inch diameter logs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes until firm.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Slice chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place on prepared baking sheets and bake 12-14 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
06 - Whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla in small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
07 - Spoon small amount of cooled custard onto center of each cookie. Smooth gently with back of spoon or offset spatula.
08 - Sprinkle thin layer of granulated sugar over custard-topped cookies. Use kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden and crispy. Let set 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between the crisp, caramelized sugar and melt-in-your-mouth shortbread creates the most luxurious texture experience
- These cookies look like you spent hours in a French patisserie but come together with surprisingly simple techniques
02 -
- Cold ingredients are crucial for the dough, but room temperature custard spreads more evenly onto the baked cookies
- The torch technique takes practice, start with the sugar further away and move closer gradually to prevent burning
03 -
- Turbinado sugar creates an extra-crunchy, slightly molasses-flavored crackle that's absolutely worth trying
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the custard from seizing and ensure the smoothest texture