Embark on a delightful culinary journey with these Ultimate Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies, where the classic chewiness of sugar cookies meets the lush creaminess of lemon pastry cream, all crowned with a perfectly caramelized sugar topping. This recipe is a love letter to lemon enthusiasts, blending the tangy zest of lemons with the rich, comforting textures of crème brûlée in a form that's surprisingly easy to enjoy with your hands.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
Every bite of these cookies is a multi-layered experience: starting with the chewy, buttery base of a soft lemon sugar cookie, moving through the rich, velvety lemon pastry cream, and finishing with the distinct crunch of caramelized sugar. It's a sophisticated take on classic flavors that promises to delight and surprise your taste buds.
Perfect Occasions for Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies
These cookies are a versatile treat perfect for brightening up your afternoon tea, making special occasions even more memorable, or simply when you're in the mood to indulge in something uniquely delicious. They're also fantastic as a sophisticated dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a thoughtful homemade gift that's sure to impress.
Decoration Tips
To make these cookies truly stand out:
- Use a fine grater to add extra lemon zest on top of the pastry cream before caramelizing the sugar, for an aromatic touch.
- Consider a sprinkle of edible flowers or thinly sliced lemon peel around the edges for a pop of color and texture.
- Serve on a vintage plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and lemon slices for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- Lemon Pastry Cream:
- 2 ¼ cups whole milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp butter, cubed
- Lemon Sugar:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tbsp lemon zest
- Lemon Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare Lemon Pastry Cream:
- Warm the milk in a saucepan until steaming, then reduce heat.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla, lemon zest, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the milk, then return the mix to the saucepan. Cook while whisking until thick. Remove from heat, blend in butter, cover, and chill.
- Make Lemon Sugar:
- Mix sugar and lemon zest. Set aside.
- Bake Lemon Sugar Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in egg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Gradually add dry ingredients.
- Form dough balls, roll in lemon sugar, place on sheets, and slightly flatten.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes. Cool on racks.
- Assemble Cookies:
- Pipe chilled pastry cream onto cookies. Sprinkle with sugar and caramelize with a torch.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve immediately for best texture.
Enjoy these enchanting Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies, where every bite takes you through a delightful journey of textures and flavors!
