If you’ve ever wished you could take the creamy elegance of crème brûlée and turn it into a handheld dessert bar well, your wish just came true. These Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars combine everything you love about the classic French dessert (that silky custard and caramelized sugar top!) with the comforting goodness of a soft, chewy cookie base. It’s a little fancy, a little nostalgic, and 100% irresistible. One bite, and you’ll be hooked promise.

Why You’ll Love Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for everything from baby showers to brunches or a sweet ending to a cozy dinner.
Budget-Friendly: Fancy flavor with everyday ingredients it’s all about that sweet trickery.
Quick and Easy: Easier than making actual crème brûlée, with all the delicious payoff.
Customizable: Add a touch of cinnamon, a citrus zest, or swap the cookie base with a shortbread crust for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars

These bars come together with simple pantry staples but give off major patisserie vibes. Here’s the breakdown:

Butter: Creates that rich, golden cookie base that melts in your mouth.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the cookie layer with hints of caramel.
Granulated Sugar: Used for sweetness and that beautiful brûlée topping.
Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding a touch of richness to the custard layer.
Vanilla Extract: Brings that warm, familiar flavor that makes crème brûlée shine.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookie layer without making it dense.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The star of the custard layer smooth, thick, and sweet.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard filling.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard just enough to slice perfectly.
Optional: A blowtorch or broiler for that caramelized sugar topping that cracks just right.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy lifting.

Combine Ingredients: Start by creaming together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the flour until just combined to form the cookie base.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Smooth it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Assemble the Dish: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, cornstarch, and a splash of vanilla extract. Pour this creamy custard mixture over the cookie layer and gently smooth the top.

Cook to Perfection: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles just slightly when moved. Let cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to fully set.

Finishing Touches: Once chilled, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp. No torch? Use the broiler for a minute or two just keep a close eye on it!

Serve and Enjoy: Slice into bars and serve! That crackly sugar top paired with the creamy custard and soft cookie base is everything you didn’t know you needed.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)

How to Serve Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve chilled straight from the fridge with fresh berries on the side.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Pair with a cappuccino, café au lait, or dessert wine for a sophisticated touch.
• Drizzle with raspberry coulis for a fruity contrast.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Chill fully before slicing for clean, neat bars that hold their shape.
• Use a hot, clean knife for slicing to avoid sticking.
• For deeper flavor, let the bars rest overnight in the fridge the flavors get even better.
• Don’t rush the sugar topping take your time for that perfect caramelization.
• Want extra crunch? Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the brûlée topping.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They’re even better the next day after chilling overnight.

2. What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No worries use the broiler on high for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the sugar.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, but freeze them before adding the brûlée topping. Add and torch after thawing.

4. Do I need to refrigerate them?
Absolutely because of the custard layer, they should be kept chilled.

5. Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed?
No, condensed milk is much thicker and sweeter—it’s essential here.

6. What kind of sugar is best for the brûlée top?
Granulated white sugar gives the best crackly topping.

7. Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the base?
Yes, in a pinch! Sugar cookie dough or shortbread works well.

8. How long do these last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.

9. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

10. Can I add fruit to the filling?
A little orange or lemon zest works beautifully but avoid juicy fruits that may affect the texture.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée Cookie Bars are the ultimate fusion of comfort and class. They bring together the best parts of your favorite dessert into one easy-to-make, totally irresistible treat. With their soft cookie base, creamy filling, and signature crackly top, they’re as fun to eat as they are impressive to serve. Make a batch, share if you must, but don’t be surprised if you end up hoarding a few for yourself.

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