Name: Creme Brulee Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter; 12 oz White Chocolate Chips (About 2 cups or 350g); 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (155g); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (149g); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (15ml); 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 3 large Eggs; 1 cup Toffee Bits

Jump to Recipe

Who can resist the creamy, dreamy layers of classic crème brûlée? Now imagine those rich flavors transformed into an easy-to-make, sliceable treat that’s perfect for sharing! Enter Creme Brulee Cookie Bars—a recipe that combines the elegance of a beloved French dessert with the irresistible indulgence of chewy, golden cookie bars. Growing up, my family would always request the fanciest treat on the dessert menu—crème brûlée, with its crackly top and silky, custardy center. But with busy weeknights and game nights, I needed something a bit more portable and crowd-friendly. That’s where these bars come in! If you loved my Lemon Gooey Bars or crave the magic of Vanilla Custard Squares, you’ll enjoy this one even more. These bars are just as satisfying, yet even easier to make, and sure to impress family and friends alike. Ready to turn your favorite dessert into your new go-to bake? Keep reading!

What is Creme Brulee Cookie Bars?

Creme Brulee Cookie Bars—what a name, right? It sounds like a dessert you’d order at a fancy Parisian bistro, but it’s secretly one of the simplest treats you’ll ever whip up at home. Why are they called “Crème Brulee Cookie Bars”? That’s a sweet mystery, but my guess is because every bite mixes the caramelized, toffee-like crunch of the bar’s top with a rich, custard-style cookie base. Just like the classic saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and trust me, these bars have won over plenty of hearts in my kitchen! Give them a try and see if they become your new favorite, too.

Why You’ll Love This

First, the irresistible highlight: Creme Brulee Cookie Bars offer the best of both worlds—a perfectly chewy, buttery cookie bar base topped with the creamy, vanilla-kissed flavor we all adore in crème brûlée. These bars are a real showstopper at parties and family gatherings, but the secret is how quick and fuss-free they are to prepare.

Second, think of the savings! Forget expensive bakery runs or hours spent making custard from scratch. With this recipe, you can enjoy gourmet-tasting dessert bars for a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time.

Finally, what really makes these bars special are the layers of white chocolate and crunchy toffee bits. This combination creates a unique texture that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more.” If you loved my White Chocolate Blondies, you’ll be obsessed with this flavorful twist. Ready to create some new dessert memories? Get baking and let me know what you think!

How to Make

Quick Overview

These Creme Brulee Cookie Bars are shockingly simple, and you’ll love how quickly they come together. From the easy melt-and-stir batter to the golden, crackly toffee topping, this recipe is a satisfying blend of creamy, buttery, and sweet—ready in just about 40 minutes from start to finish. With only a few simple steps and no complicated equipment required, they’ll be cooling on your counter before you know it. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
12 oz (about 2 cups or 350g) white chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups (155g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (15ml) vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup toffee bits

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and white chocolate chips together, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and silky. Remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl.
Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition, until the batter is glossy and thick.
Gradually add the flour, mixing just until no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the top.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks set (it may jiggle just slightly but will firm up as it cools).
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set the texture and make slicing easier.
Once cool, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment, slice into squares, and serve.

What to Serve With

Pair these Creme Brulee Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. They also complement a cup of strong coffee or espresso, echoing the European café feel. Looking for a fun family treat? Serve them alongside fresh berries or a simple raspberry coulis for a tangy contrast. For a party, add them to your dessert platter next to brownies and fruit tarts for variety in texture and flavor.

Top Tips for Perfecting

For a nutty twist, swap out the toffee bits for chopped pecans or hazelnuts.
If you like a touch of salt, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the bars as soon as they come out of the oven.
Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes removing and slicing the bars so much easier and guarantees beautiful edges.
Keep a close eye during the final baking minutes; overbaking dries out the bars, while underbaking keeps them gorgeously fudgy.
Feel free to experiment with dark or caramelized white chocolate for even richer flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Creme Brulee Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. To enjoy warm, heat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds; this softens the chocolate and freshens the flavor. Avoid storing them uncovered, as they can dry out quickly. If making ahead for a party, bake the night before and store tightly wrapped.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

White chocolate is key to achieving the classic crème brûlée flavor, but you can experiment! The flavor and texture will be different, but still delicious.

What kind of toffee bits work best?

Heath English toffee bits are widely available and perfect for this recipe. You can also use homemade toffee bits if you prefer.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

No, they stay fresh at room temperature for a few days. However, if your kitchen is very warm, you may keep them in the fridge to maintain their texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! For a crowd, double the recipe and bake in two pans, or use a larger baking dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Creme Brulee Cookie Bars are the ultimate blend of classic dessert flavor and everyday baking ease. With their velvet texture, caramelized topping, and rich vanilla notes, they’ll win over anyone who tries them—while saving you time and money. With simple ingredients, basic tools, and detailed step-by-step instructions, this recipe is perfect for novice bakers and experts alike. Give them a try, share with family and friends, and don’t forget to explore other decadent dessert recipes on the blog for even more sweet inspiration. Enjoy every golden, gooey bite!