Description
Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars bring the elegant, creamy flavors of the classic French dessert into an easy-to-serve bar form. With a crispy caramelized top, rich vanilla flavor, and a soft, buttery cookie base, these bars are a decadent treat for any special occasion or sweet craving.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While baking, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Remove the baked cookie base from the oven and evenly pour the warm cream over it.
- Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly on top of the cream layer.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the sugar begins to caramelize.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Optionally, use a kitchen torch to further caramelize the sugar topping.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 24 bars.
- For extra flair, torch the sugar topping after baking for enhanced caramelization.
- Add zest of lemon or orange for a citrusy twist.
- For added texture, include 1/2 cup of chopped nuts in the dough.
- Bars can be made ahead and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
