Julia Walton
Golden, caramelized tops that crackle with the first bite, revealing a luscious, creamy lemon filling—these Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies are the definition of indulgence. Perfectly balancing bright citrus and velvety custard, they’re a showstopper for any dessert table.
What makes them irresistible is the contrast: crisp edges, soft buttery centers, and that unmistakable brûléed sugar crunch. Whether you’re serving them for a fancy brunch or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies bring bakery-quality magic straight to your kitchen.
What Kind of Lemon Works Best for Crème Brûlée Cookies?
Fresh, unwaxed lemons are essential here. The zest gives a natural citrus aroma, while fresh lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that balances the creamy filling. Bottled lemon juice can’t replicate that fresh-squeezed burst of flavor, so always choose fresh.
Ingredients for the Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies
Lemon Zest & Juice – The star of the show, bringing vibrant citrus notes to both dough and filling.
Butter – Unsalted and softened, it creates a tender crumb while allowing the lemon flavor to shine.
Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness and caramelization; brown sugar adds a hint of depth.
Eggs & Yolks – Provide structure and richness, with extra yolks enhancing the custard-like texture.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies their structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
Cornstarch – Ensures tenderness and helps maintain that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Cream Cheese – For the filling, it adds a smooth, velvety richness that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
Heavy Cream – Essential for the brûlée custard consistency.
Vanilla Extract – A warm, aromatic backdrop that elevates the citrus.
Powdered Sugar – Lightens the filling and sweetens without grittiness.
Caster Sugar – Used for the brûlée topping, creating that signature caramelized crunch.
How To Make the Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Add heavy cream and whisk until it thickens slightly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, yolks, vanilla, and lemon zest. Gradually fold in flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until a soft dough forms. Chill for 1 hour for best results.
Step 3: Shape and Fill
Scoop dough, flatten slightly, and press a small well in the center. Add a teaspoon of the chilled lemon filling, then gently pinch the dough to encase it. Roll back into a ball.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft. Cool completely before the next step.
Step 5: Brûlée the Tops
Sprinkle caster sugar generously over each cooled cookie. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp. Allow sugar to harden before serving.
Serving and Storing the Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh when the caramelized sugar is still crackly. If making ahead, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Torch the sugar just before serving to keep that perfect brûlée crunch.
For longer storage, freeze the unbrûléed cookies (without sugar topping) for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature, then finish with the sugar torching before serving.
What to Serve With Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies?
1. Earl Grey Tea
The subtle bergamot notes pair beautifully with the bright lemon flavor.
2. Sparkling Lemonade
A refreshing citrus pairing that enhances the tangy filling.
3. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The creamy texture complements the brûléed sugar and lemon custard.
4. Fresh Berries
Blueberries or raspberries add a burst of natural sweetness.
5. Almond Biscotti
A crunchy companion for an elegant dessert platter.
6. Prosecco
For a festive twist, the light bubbles balance the rich filling.
7. Lavender Honey Drizzle
A floral hint drizzled lightly on the plate elevates the cookie’s presentation.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies, you’ll enjoy these other delightful treats:
- Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies – A nostalgic classic with rich peanut flavor.
- Condensed Milk Snow Cookies – Buttery soft and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies – Sweet, tangy, and crumbly perfection.
- Raspberry Cookies Recipe – A fruity bite that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies Recipe – Deep chocolate meets juicy cherries in every bite.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this indulgent idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added a hint of lavender or swapped the filling for lime? Share your version in the comments—I’d love to hear it!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite treat is waiting there.
Gourmet Lemon Crème Brûlée Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand Mixer
- baking sheet
- Kitchen torch
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 113 g butter, unsalted and softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 yolk egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 160 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
- 85 g cream cheese, softened
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 60 ml heavy cream
- 1 tbsp caster sugar (for brulee topping)
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Add heavy cream and whisk until slightly thickened. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg, yolk, vanilla, and lemon zest. Fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt. Chill for 1 hour.
- Scoop dough, flatten, add filling, then encase and roll back into a ball.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely.
- Sprinkle caster sugar and caramelize with a torch until golden.