Creme Brulee Shortbread Cookies (Print)
Buttery shortbread topped with creamy custard and caramelized sugar for a crunchy, elegant finish.
# Ingredient list:
→ Shortbread Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, 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 Finish
10 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar for sprinkling and torching
# Directions:
01 - Cream butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
02 - Sift flour and salt into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined and dough forms.
03 - Divide dough in half and shape into 2-inch diameter logs. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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 for 12–14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
06 - Whisk egg yolks, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
07 - Spoon cooled custard onto center of each cookie. Sprinkle thin layer of granulated sugar over custard. Use kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden and crisp. Let set 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The satisfaction of cracking through that caramelized sugar layer like youre breaking into dessert fortune
- Buttery shortbread that literally dissolves on your tongue, no chewing required
02 -
- The custard must cool completely before spooning onto cookies or itll melt right through that delicate shortbread
- Torch sugar in small batches since the heat from caramelization can warm the custard underneath
03 -
- Turbinado sugar creates extra texture and crunch in the caramelized top layer
- If you dont have a torch, broil the cookies for 30 seconds watching like a hawk