Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars

Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars bring the elegant, creamy flavors of the classic French dessert into a delightful, easy-to-serve bar form. With a crispy, caramelized top, rich vanilla flavor, and a soft, buttery cookie base, these bars are an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or when I’m craving a fancy dessert with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars because they capture the best part of crème brûlée—the caramelized sugar top—while giving it a fun, chewy twist. The vanilla flavor is rich and smooth, while the caramelized top provides a perfect crunchy contrast to the soft, buttery base. They are super easy to make, and the result is a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of crème brûlée without the hassle of making individual custards!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into a smooth, even layer.

6. Bake the cookie base for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. While the cookie base is baking, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.

8. Once the cookie base is done, remove it from the oven and pour the warm heavy cream over the top of the bars, spreading it out evenly.

9. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the cream layer.

10. Return the bars to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sugar begins to caramelize.

11. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. If desired, I can use a kitchen torch to further caramelize the sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 bars. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare the dough, 18-20 minutes to bake the cookie base, and an additional 10-15 minutes to finish the topping. The total time is about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on cooling time.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: To add a chocolatey twist, I can drizzle melted chocolate over the top after caramelizing the sugar, adding a rich contrast to the vanilla flavor.

• Citrus Twist: If I want a citrusy flavor, I can add the zest of one lemon or orange to the cookie dough to infuse a refreshing note into the bars.

• Nutty Version: For extra texture, I can fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or almonds into the cookie dough before baking.

Storage/Reheating

To store these Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars, I place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for 3-4 days. If I want them to last longer, I can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, I warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, just-baked texture. If I want to refresh the caramelized sugar top, I can briefly torch it again with a kitchen torch.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I can make these bars a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

I prefer using granulated sugar for the topping to achieve that signature caramelized crunch. However, I can experiment with using turbinado sugar for a more rustic, slightly caramelized flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also check that the other ingredients, like the heavy cream, are gluten-free if necessary.

Can I make the bars without a kitchen torch?

Yes, I can skip the torching step and simply bake the bars for an additional 5-7 minutes with the sugar on top. The sugar will caramelize in the oven, giving the bars a lovely crunchy topping.

Can I freeze the Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze very well. I can wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or warm them up in the microwave.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars are a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and chewy that’s bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. They offer all the luxurious flavors of crème brûlée in a simple, easy-to-make bar format, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. I can’t wait to share these with friends and family—they’re always a hit!