There’s something magical about combining two classic desserts into one.

These creme brulee sugar cookies take the buttery softness of sugar cookies, the tangy creaminess of cream cheese frosting, and the caramelized sugar crunch of creme brulee.

The result? A cookie that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and feels like a bakery-style treat made right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They have a soft, pillowy base with hints of almond and vanilla.

The cream cheese frosting is rich and tangy, balancing the sweetness.

Caramelized sugar on top adds a fun crackly crunch.

They’re perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just to wow friends and family.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Butter and sugar form the rich, soft cookie base.

Heavy cream gives the cookies extra tenderness and moisture.

Almond extract pairs beautifully with vanilla for a bakery-style flavor.

Cream cheese frosting adds tang and structure.

Granulated sugar (brûléed with a torch) creates that signature caramelized top.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters briefly for smoother frosting.

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep cookies evenly shaped.

Keep your kitchen torch moving quickly to avoid burning the sugar or melting the frosting too much.

Sift powdered sugar for a silky, lump-free frosting.

How to Make Creme Brulee Sugar Cookies

Step 1 – Cream the butter and sugar

Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 2 – Add wet ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla, almond extract, and heavy cream until smooth.

Step 3 – Add dry ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Slowly incorporate into the wet mixture until dough forms.

Step 4 – Bake

Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until set. Cool completely.

Step 5 – Make the frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.

Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Whip until fluffy.

Step 6 – Frost and brûlée

Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cookies.

Sprinkle with sugar, then use a kitchen torch to caramelize the tops until golden and crisp.

What to Serve Them With

Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a café-style treat.

Serve on a dessert platter with fruit and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Enjoy alongside sparkling wine or champagne for a fancy occasion.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap almond extract for more vanilla if preferred.

Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a smoother frosting.

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm twist.

Storage & Leftovers

Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Frosted and brûléed cookies are best enjoyed the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, chill up to 48 hours in the fridge before baking.

Do I need a kitchen torch?
It gives the best brûlée effect, but you can broil carefully in the oven.

Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade cream cheese frosting gives the best flavor.

What if I don’t like almond extract?
Just replace it with vanilla extract.

Can I brûlée before serving guests?
Yes, torch the sugar right before serving for the freshest crackle.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
Keep the torch about 1 inch above the cookie and move it constantly.

Final Thoughts

Creme brulee sugar cookies are a dessert mash-up that feels decadent yet approachable.

With a soft cookie base, silky frosting, and crunchy sugar topping, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

One bite, and you’ll see why these cookies steal the show every time.