These 3-Ingredient Crème Brûlée Cookies Are the Easiest Way to Make a Lasting Impression

The holidays can get hectic, and sometimes the idea of turning your kitchen into a mess just to bake a batch of impressive Christmas cookies feels anything but festive.

Holiday cookies can be as simple or as extravagant as you like, but we prefer to meet in the middle. That’s why these crème brûlée cookies topped our baking list this year. With only three ingredients, you can make stunning, party-ready treats that look like they came from a high-end bakery.

Crème brûlée is one of those showstopper desserts, reserved for special occasions, so turning it into a handheld cookie feels extra refined. These cookies pack a punch with texture and flavor—trust me, you’ve never had a Christmas cookie quite like this one.

Start with a roll of store-bought sugar cookie dough and bake according to the instructions. While the cookies are still warm, use the back of a spoon to gently press a circular indentation into the center, leaving a raised edge. This creates the perfect shallow space for a delicious pool of creamy vanilla pudding.

Don’t skimp on the sugar—it may seem like a lot, but it’s essential for creating the beautiful, stained-glass crust that gives these cookies their indulgent, luxurious look. Each cookie is uniquely different, adding to its handcrafted charm.

Vanilla cookies paired with pudding are a classic flavor match, but feel free to experiment with other favorites like chocolate chip, gingerbread, or snickerdoodle cookies. The combination of the crisp, crackly texture with the smooth vanilla pudding and the chewy, flavorful sugar cookie base is the definition of indulgence.

Unfortunately, you can’t use an oven broiler to achieve the crème brûlée effect—the cookies will burn before the sugar caramelizes. But no worries, a kitchen torch is an affordable and handy tool to keep on hand. These cookies are best enjoyed right after assembling, as they don’t store well.

For another simple take on crème brûlée for your holiday gatherings, check out this Easy 3-Ingredient Vanilla Crème Brûlée recipe.

How to Make Simple Crème Brûlée Cookies

Recipe adapted from Oh, Bite It!

• 1 (16.5 oz) roll sugar cookie dough
• 2 (13 oz) vanilla pudding cups
• ½ cup white sugar
• Special Equipment: kitchen torch

1. Follow the cookie package directions to bake the cookies. While they’re still warm, use the back of a spoon to create a circular indent in the center of each cookie, pressing all the way to the edge. Work quickly before they cool down.
2. Fill each indentation with a thin layer of pudding (about a couple of teaspoons) and smooth it out with the spoon.
3. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar evenly on each cookie. With care, ignite your kitchen torch and heat the sugar until it melts and bubbles. Keep heating until the entire surface is golden and caramelized. Serve right away.