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Lemon Creme Brulee Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

Indulge in the luscious and zesty flavors of Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies, featuring a rich homemade lemon pastry cream sandwiched between tender lemon sugar cookies topped with a caramelized brûlée sugar crust. This elegant treat combines creamy lemon custard with a sweet, crunchy sugar topping and soft, flavorful cookies, perfect for spring or anytime you crave a citrusy twist on classic desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Pastry Cream:

  • 2 1/4 cups (540 ml) whole milk
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp (225 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 1/2 tbsp (28 g) cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, cut in cubes

Lemon Sugar:

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon zest

Lemon Sugar Cookies:

  • 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 2 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar (for the brûlée topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Pastry Cream: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla bean paste, and lemon zest until smooth. Slowly temper the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and boiling. Remove from heat, whisk in the cubed butter until smooth. Transfer pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, and chill until cold.
  2. Make the Lemon Sugar Blend: Combine 1/2 cup granulated white sugar with 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside for coating the cookie dough.
  3. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until fluffy and light. Beat in the egg, vanilla bean paste, and lemon zest until combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Shape and Coat the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into approximately 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in the lemon sugar mixture until well coated. Place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Assemble the Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the chilled lemon pastry cream on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.
  7. Apply Brûlée Topping and Caramelize: Sprinkle the 1/2 cup granulated sugar for the brûlée topping evenly over the cookie sandwiches. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp to form the signature brûlée crust.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the brûlée topping to harden briefly before serving these decadent lemon crème brûlée cookies. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy textures.

Notes

  • Make sure to chill the lemon pastry cream thoroughly; this ensures it sets properly and is easy to spread.
  • If you do not have a kitchen torch for caramelizing sugar, you can use the oven broiler, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest and most flavorful lemon taste.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For best texture, serve cookies at room temperature after removing from the fridge.

Keywords: lemon creme brulee cookies, lemon sugar cookies, pastry cream, citrus cookies, lemon dessert, brûlée topping

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/lemon-creme-brulee-cookies-recipe/