If you’re a fan of both the refreshing taste of lemon and the rich allure of crème brûlée, these Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies are the perfect treat for you. With a delicate balance of crisp, caramelized sugar on top and a soft, zesty cookie center, they offer a delightful twist on the classic crème brûlée. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press each dough ball down with the back of a spoon or your fingers, slightly flattening them.
Sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set in the center.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
Add some cream cheese: For a richer flavor, you can mix in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to the dough for an extra creamy texture.
Try different citrus fruits: If you like, you can switch the lemon zest and juice for lime or orange for a different citrus twist.
Make it chocolatey: I sometimes throw in a handful of white or dark chocolate chips to make the cookies even more indulgent.
Gluten-free option: To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: These cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness.
Reheating: To warm them up, I like to microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw before baking.
Why are my cookies too flat?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because the dough was too warm when placed on the baking sheet. Try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help prevent this.
Can I make these cookies without lemon?
Absolutely! If you’re not into lemon, you can leave it out or replace it with vanilla or another flavoring of your choice.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before eating.
How can I make these cookies more caramelized?
If you want the sugar on top to get even more caramelized, I suggest using a kitchen torch for a crème brûlée-style finish. Just sprinkle the sugar on top before torching it to perfection!
Conclusion
These Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves a twist on classic flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them as a treat on your own, these cookies will definitely become a favorite in my recipe collection.
Recipe:
Print
Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies combine the tangy zest of lemon with the luxurious caramelized crunch of crème brûlée. A delightful twist on the classic dessert, they are perfect for any gathering or as a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each dough ball down with the back of a spoon or your fingers, slightly flattening them.
- Sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a richer flavor, mix in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to the dough.
You can substitute lemon zest and juice with lime or orange for a different citrus twist.
To make it more indulgent, add white or dark chocolate chips.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
If the dough is too warm, chill it for 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and thaw before baking.
To get more caramelization, use a kitchen torch on the sugar topping before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
