Creme Brulee Shortbread Cookies (Printable)
Buttery shortbread meets classic crème brûlée with custard filling and caramelized sugar topping
# What You Need:
→ 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 Filling
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 fully incorporated.
02 - Sift flour and salt into butter mixture. Mix until just combined and dough begins to form. Avoid overmixing.
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 - Set oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Cut chilled dough logs into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange on prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.
06 - Transfer cookies to wire rack and let cool completely before adding filling.
07 - Whisk egg yolks, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla in small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 4-5 minutes until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
08 - Spoon small amount of cooled custard onto center of each cookie. Spread gently with offset spatula.
09 - Sprinkle thin layer of granulated sugar over custard filling. Torch sugar until golden brown and crisp. Let set 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The crackle of caramelized sugar against buttery shortbread is sensory perfection
- They look like you spent hours but come together faster than you would expect
02 -
- Warm cookies will melt your custard filling so patience during cooling is essential
- A kitchen torch makes that signature crackle but a broiler works in a pinch with close watching
03 -
- Turbinado sugar creates extra crunch and deeper flavor in the caramelized top
- If your custard scrambles even slightly start over because texture matters here