Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies

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These Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies are pure sunshine in a bite. They feature a delicate shortbread base filled with a silky lemon custard, then caramelized on top just like the classic French dessert. Each cookie boasts the perfect balance of tart, creamy, and crispy — a treat sure to impress both guests and your own sweet tooth.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your next cookie platter or simply indulge in a sophisticated snack with your afternoon tea, these cookies hit the mark. The golden crackly sugar crust adds a dramatic flair, while the luscious lemon filling offers a burst of fresh, bright flavor that’s irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies

You’ll fall for these cookies because they bring together the elegance of crème brûlée and the comfort of a homemade cookie. The texture is a delight: creamy custard contrasted by the crisp, caramelized sugar topping and buttery cookie underneath. Perfect for spring gatherings, bridal showers, or whenever you need a showstopping sweet treat, they’re both fun to make and unforgettable to eat.

How Do You Caramelize the Sugar on Top of the Cookies?

You can easily achieve that signature brûlée crunch by sprinkling a thin layer of granulated sugar over the baked and cooled cookies, then caramelizing it with a kitchen torch. This quick step gives you that satisfying crackle and caramel flavor. If you don’t have a torch, briefly broiling them in the oven works as an alternative, though a torch is ideal for more control and even browning.

Ingredients for the Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies

Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dough without making it gritty, giving the cookies a smooth, soft texture.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold up under the creamy custard.

Egg Yolks: Essential for the custard filling, giving it a silky, luxurious texture and beautiful yellow hue.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard and forms the brûléed crust on top.

Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest: Brings a bright, tangy flavor to the custard, making each bite vibrant and refreshing.

Heavy Cream: Makes the lemon custard extra creamy and decadent.

How To Make the Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Base

Cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in all-purpose flour until a dough forms. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and press a small indent into the center of each. Bake at 350°F until set and golden at the edges, then cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Custard

Whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar in a saucepan. Add lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Fill the Cookies

Spoon the cooled lemon custard into the indents of each cookie. Smooth the tops and chill the cookies in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Brûlée the Tops

Just before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over each custard-filled cookie. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crackly. Let cool for a minute to harden before serving.

Serving and Storing Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies

These cookies are best served the same day they’re brûléed to keep the sugar topping crisp. They make a stunning addition to a dessert table and are perfect for tea parties, brunches, or as a sophisticated after-dinner treat. This recipe yields about 18 cookies, enough to serve 6–8 people depending on portion size.

Store any un-torched cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wait to brûlée the sugar until just before serving for the best texture.

What to Serve With Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies?

Fresh Berries

A small bowl of raspberries or blueberries complements the tart lemon custard beautifully.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The creamy sweetness of ice cream pairs perfectly with the citrusy crunch of the cookies.

Champagne or Prosecco

A glass of bubbly makes this dessert feel extra special and festive.

Earl Grey or Chamomile Tea

These cookies are delightful with a fragrant, warm cup of tea.

White Chocolate Shavings

Sprinkle a few shavings on the plate for a subtle touch of sweetness and elegance.

Lemon Sorbet

For an extra refreshing finish, serve alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a tropical chewy delight.
• Ooey Gooey Bars when you crave something rich and indulgent.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries if you prefer fresh fruit paired with creamy filling.
• Delicious Lemon Cake for another lemony treat with a fluffy twist.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re a fan of comforting spice and creamy texture.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try caramelizing with a torch or broiler? Did you add a touch more lemon zest?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

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