Dare French Creme Cookies Recipe​

Written by: Vladimir Lapshin

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This homemade Dair French Crème cookies recipe helps you make a cookie that tastes like the classic treat many people remember. These cookies use a simple vanilla butter dough and small dried currants. Baking gives them a light golden color and a crisp texture. A smooth vanilla icing goes on top, and shredded coconut adds the final touch. Each bite feels sweet, crisp, and familiar. In this recipe, I shall explain every step so you can make these cookies with confidence at home.

Key Takeaways

• Classic Flavor: These cookies have a crisp vanilla base with small dried currants. A sweet vanilla icing and coconut on top give them their famous taste.
• Simple Ingredients: This Dare French creme cookies recipe​ uses common baking items like butter, flour, sugar, and egg. Currants and coconut add extra flavor and texture.
• Easy Steps: Clear and simple steps help you mix, bake, and decorate the cookies without confusion.
• Icing Tips: The icing should be smooth and easy to spread. This helps the cookies look neat and taste better.
• Fun Changes: You can try new flavors like lemon or add more coconut to make the cookies different.
• Storage Guide: Keep the cookies in a closed container at room temperature. You can also freeze them to use later.

What Are Dare French Creme Cookies

Dare French Creme cookies were a popular snack from Canada made by Dare Foods. These cookies were thin and crunchy with a light vanilla flavor. A sweet vanilla icing covered the top, and shredded coconut sat on the icing. Small dried currants were baked into the cookie, and they gave little sweet bites in every mouthful. The texture felt crisp and buttery, similar to a butter cookie, but not too sweet.

Many people ate these cookies in the 1990s and 2000s, and they remember them as a favorite childhood treat. Dare stopped making these cookies, so they are no longer sold in stores. The good news is that you can make a similar version at home.

This copycat Dare French creme cookies recipe​ uses simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and currants. After baking, a smooth vanilla icing goes on top to give the classic look and taste. The steps are easy to follow, so anyone can make these cookies and enjoy the same flavor again.

Recipe for Dare French Creme Cookies

Icing Tips for the Classic French Creme Finish

How thick should the icing be

The icing should be medium-thick. It should stick to the back of a spoon but still pour easily. This helps the icing sit nicely on the cookie. If the icing is too thin, it will run off the cookie. If it is too thick, it will not spread well. Start with about 2 tablespoons of milk and mix it into 1½ cups of powdered sugar. Add a little more milk slowly if needed. The icing should look smooth, shiny, and easy to drizzle.

Drizzle vs full top coating

The original Dare French Creme cookies usually have a drizzle of icing, not a thick layer. The icing forms thin lines and patterns on top. This also makes the coconut stand out more. If you want more icing, you can add a little extra milk and spread it over the whole cookie with a spoon. Both ways taste good, but a drizzle looks more like the classic cookie.

Letting the icing set without smudging

After adding the icing and coconut, leave the cookies on a flat surface. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This gives the icing time to dry. Do not stack or touch the cookies while the icing is wet because it can smear. Once the icing dries, it will feel firm on top and still look shiny. The cookies are then ready to eat or store.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

Vanilla, currant, and coconut version

You can make these cookies taste more like coconut if you add extra shredded coconut. Mix another 1/4 cup of coconut into the dough with the currants. You can also sprinkle more coconut on top after you add the icing. If you want a stronger vanilla taste, add 1 more teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. A few drops of coconut extract can also give a nice coconut smell and flavor. This version tastes sweet, soft, and slightly tropical.

Light lemon vanilla icing version

You can add a fresh lemon flavor to make the cookies taste brighter. Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon zest into the dough. When making the icing, replace part of the milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. You can also add 1 teaspoon of vanilla or lemon extract. The icing will taste fresh and slightly tangy. This version feels lighter and works well for warm weather.

Rum note-inspired version for deeper flavor

You can add a warm flavor by using rum extract. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract into the dough with the vanilla. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of dark rum into the icing. This gives the cookies a deeper flavor and a nice smell. The cookies will not taste strongly of alcohol. They will just taste richer and more special.

Serving Ideas for Dare French Creme Cookies

Best with tea or coffee

These cookies taste great with tea or coffee. The vanilla and coconut flavor pair well with hot drinks. Many people enjoy them during tea time or breaks. Kids can eat them with warm milk or hot chocolate. Serve them on a simple plate and enjoy small bites with your drink.

Cookie tray and holiday serving ideas

These cookies look nice on a cookie tray. Their golden color and coconut topping make them stand out. Serve them at holidays, parties, or family visits. You can also pack them in small boxes as gifts. They stay firm and go well with other cookies.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

Room temperature storage

Let the icing dry fully before storing the cookies. Place the cookies in a closed container at room temperature. Put wax paper between the layers so they do not stick. The cookies stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Keep the container in a cool and dry place. Do not keep it near heat or sunlight. Warm air can make the icing soft, but the cookies will still be safe to eat.

Fridge and freezer options

You can store the cookies in the fridge if the weather is hot. They will stay good for about one week. The icing may lose some shine, but the taste stays the same. You can also freeze the dough. Shape the dough into small balls and freeze them on a tray. After they turn firm, move them to a freezer bag. Bake them when needed and add 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies without icing. Thaw them later and add icing before serving.

Best way to store after icing sets

Keep the iced cookies in a single layer or stack them gently with paper between layers. Make sure the cookies are fully cool before closing the container. This prevents water drops from forming. When carrying the cookies, place them flat in a container with a lid. Do not press anything on top of the icing. You can make these cookies one day before serving, and they will still taste fresh.

Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: Nutrition data for this recipe was calculated using the Recipe Blossom Nutrition Calculator. It’s designed to provide a reliable estimate of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.

However, actual values may vary depending on brands, substitutions, or preparation methods. For medically tailored nutrition advice, we recommend consulting with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.

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