The Zesty Magic of Lemon Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies dance with a delightful lemon creme brulee essence that turns ordinary baking into pure magic.

These delectable treats blend classic French inspiration with comforting American cookie charm.

Rich, crackly caramelized sugar tops each delicate cookie, creating a sensational texture.

The bright citrus notes burst through a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy and crisp elements harmonize in every single bite, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.

Elegant yet approachable, these cookies elevate your baking repertoire with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor each crunch and let the lemony sweetness transport you to a Parisian patisserie.

FAQs

• What is the secret to achieving the perfect pastry cream consistency?

Whisk continuously while cooking and watch for thickening. Remove from heat once it coats the back of a spoon and doesn’t run immediately.

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh zest?

Fresh lemon zest provides the best flavor and intensity. Bottled juice lacks the aromatic oils that make these cookies special.

• How do I know when the cookie dough is mixed correctly?

Stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing leads to tough, dense cookies that lose their delicate texture.

• What type of torch works best for caramelizing the sugar topping?

A kitchen torch provides the most control and even caramelization. If you don’t have one, place cookies under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Lemon Creme Brulee Cookies: Fresh Features

• Burst with Flavor: Indulge in a zesty lemon twist that transforms classic cookies into a gourmet dessert experience.
• Wow Your Guests: Impress friends and family with bakery-style cookies that look and taste professionally crafted.
• Master Culinary Techniques: Learn sophisticated baking skills like making pastry cream and caramelizing sugar, elevating your kitchen confidence.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust lemon intensity and experiment with different zesting techniques to make these cookies uniquely yours.

All Ingredients for Creme Brulee Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking ingredient that provides structure for the cookie dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and tender.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• Powdered Sugar: Contributes to the smooth texture of the lemon sugar coating.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic background flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to both the cookie and sugar coating.
• Milk: Creates a smooth base for the pastry cream.
• Egg Yolks: Helps thicken and enrich the pastry cream.
• Cornstarch: Assists in setting the pastry cream to the right consistency.
• Butter (for pastry cream): Adds a luxurious smoothness to the cream.

Baking Directions for Lemon Brulee Cookies

Step 1: Create Silky Pastry Cream

Warm milk until it’s steaming hot.

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, bright lemon zest, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and cornstarch until the mixture turns a pale, creamy color.

Slowly stream the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.

Transfer back to the pan and cook, stirring continuously for 8-12 minutes until the cream thickens dramatically.

Finish by stirring in softened butter.

Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Lemon Sugar

Combine granulated sugar with freshly grated lemon zest in a mixing bowl.

Toss and mix thoroughly, allowing the zest to release its fragrant oils into the sugar.

Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Tender Cookie Dough

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

In another large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add a single egg, vanilla extract, and additional lemon zest.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies

Roll the cookie dough into small balls.

Roll each ball generously in the prepared lemon sugar mixture.

Place on a baking sheet and gently flatten with your palm.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 9-10 minutes.

While still warm, use a cookie cutter to shape edges if desired.

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Torch and Finish

Transfer the chilled pastry cream to a piping bag.

Pipe a generous dollop of cream onto each cooled cookie.

Sprinkle with additional sugar.

Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it turns a deep golden brown and creates a crispy top.

Let the cookies rest for 10 minutes to allow the caramel to set and the cream to stabilize.

Pro Tips for Soft, Zesty Cookies

• Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and intense citrus notes in your cookies.
• Whisk egg yolk mixture constantly while adding hot milk to ensure smooth, lump-free cream.
• Refrigerate pastry cream for at least 2 hours to develop rich, creamy texture and enhance flavor depth.
• Hold kitchen torch 2-3 inches from sugar surface and move slowly for even, golden-brown caramelization.
• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the crisp texture and creamy filling intact.

Lemon Cookie Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Lemon Creme Brulee Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Delight: Swap eggs and butter with coconut cream, plant-based butter, and aquafaba for an egg-free, dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Zesty Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining sweet lemony flavor.
• Lavender Lemon Cookies: Add dried lavender to the pastry cream and sugar mixture for a fragrant, floral Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Fun Ways to Serve Creme Brulee Cookies

• Elegant Tea Party Pairing: Serve these sophisticated cookies alongside Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon treat that highlights the lemon's bright flavor.
• Dessert Platter Showcase: Create a beautiful dessert display by arranging cookies with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal.
• Gifting Gourmet Style: Package cookies in clear gift boxes with ribbon, perfect for hostess gifts or special occasion treats that look professionally prepared.
• Summer Gathering Delight: Serve chilled on a beautiful platter during outdoor events, complementing light summer drinks and creating an impressive dessert experience.

Storing Lemon Cookies the Easy Way

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before baking.
• Keep leftover pastry cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Always cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Serve cookies at room temperature for best texture and flavor, allowing pastry cream to soften slightly before enjoying.

Lemon Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent lemon crème brûlée cookies blend French elegance with zesty citrus charm. Rich, buttery shortbread meets caramelized sugar and bright lemon notes, promising a delightful sensory journey you’ll savor with each delicate bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lemon Pastry Cream:

Dairy:

• 2 1/4 cups whole milk (540ml)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (42g)

Eggs and Sugar:

• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (225g)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (28g)

Lemon Sugar:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest

Lemon Sugar Cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (344g)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (224g)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest

Brûlée Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar for brulee (100g)

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Instructions

1. Craft the pastry cream by gently heating milk until steaming. Whisk egg yolks with sugar, lemon zest, salt, vanilla, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
2. Gradually incorporate hot milk into egg mixture, then return to pan and cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture thickens to a custard consistency.
3. Fold in butter, cover surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and refrigerate until completely chilled.
4. Create lemon sugar by thoroughly mixing granulated sugar with fresh lemon zest in a separate bowl.
5. Prepare cookie dough by whisking together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
6. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
7. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
8. Form dough into small balls, generously roll in prepared lemon sugar, and slightly flatten on baking sheet.
9. Bake at 350°F for 9-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. While still warm, use a cookie cutter to reshape if needed.
10. Allow cookies to cool completely on wire rack.
11. Fill piping bag with chilled pastry cream and carefully pipe onto cooled cookies.
12. Sprinkle additional sugar on top and use kitchen torch to caramelize until golden brown.
13. Let cookies rest for 10 minutes to allow caramel to set before serving.

Notes

• Customize Sugar Intensity Adjust the amount of lemon zest in the sugar coating to control tartness and sweetness according to personal preference.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain precise shape during baking.
• Pastry Cream Consistency Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture for perfect filling.
• Alternative Caramelization If a kitchen torch isn’t available, use the broiler setting in the oven, watching carefully to avoid burning the sugar topping.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 226
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 63mg