Description
Indulge in the sublime fusion of crème brûlée and classic sugar cookies with these Caramelized Sugar Cookie Delights. Featuring a soft, buttery base and topped with a lush cream cheese frosting, these cookies are finished with a beautifully caramelized sugar crust, reminiscent of the beloved French dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade treats promise a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that dessert lovers will adore.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to brown.
Step 4: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Apply Frosting and Sugar
Pour granulated sugar into a small bowl. Spread about a tablespoon of the frosting on top of each cooled cookie, then dip the frosted tops into the granulated sugar, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 7: Caramelize the Sugar
Just before serving, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar on each cookie. This will allow the sugar to melt and form a crispy top. Allow the cookies to set before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes.
Total Time: 30 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To enjoy the cookies at their best, let them come to room temperature before serving if they have been refrigerated.
- The caramelized sugar topping should be done just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
Conclusion
Caramelized Sugar Cookie Delights offer an exquisite taste delight that pairs the silky elegance of crème brûlée with the cozy appeal of sugar cookies. Whether for a festive gathering, a special family treat, or a charming gift, these cookies stand out with their rich flavor profiles and appetizing textures, sure to enchant any dessert aficionado.
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Caramelized Sugar Cookie Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies. 1x
Description
Indulge in the sublime fusion of crème brûlée and classic sugar cookies with these Caramelized Sugar Cookie Delights. Featuring a soft, buttery base and topped with a lush cream cheese frosting, these cookies are finished with a beautifully caramelized sugar crust, reminiscent of the beloved French dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade treats promise a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that dessert lovers will adore.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Step 3: Bake the Cookies Using a small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to brown.
- Step 4: Cool the Cookies Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 5: Prepare the Frosting For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Apply Frosting and Sugar Pour granulated sugar into a small bowl. Spread about a tablespoon of the frosting on top of each cooled cookie, then dip the frosted tops into the granulated sugar, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Step 7: Caramelize the Sugar Just before serving, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar on each cookie. This will allow the sugar to melt and form a crispy top. Allow the cookies to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes