Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp (38g) granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Slowly stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 60 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Shape the chilled dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden but the centers remain pale.
- Immediately upon removing from the oven, dip the bottom of a small glass in sugar and press it firmly into the center of each hot cookie to create a deep indentation.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until the mixture is stiff and velvety.
- Fill each cookie divot to the brim with the cream mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the filling.
- Using a kitchen torch, move the flame in a steady circular motion across the sugar until it melts into a mahogany-colored glaze. Let harden for 2 minutes before serving.