If you love a dessert that’s silky, citrusy, and just a little bit unexpected, then you have to try this Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe. It’s one of those treats that feels fancy but actually comes together super easily. I remember the first time I made this, I was so surprised how just a few simple ingredients turned into something that felt like a special occasion on my spoon. You’ll find that the brightness of the clementines combined with that fragrant thyme cookie crumble on top creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that’s absolutely irresistible.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You only need a handful of staples, yet the flavor punch is incredible.
  • Elegant Yet Easy: This posset feels like a gourmet treat but comes together in under 15 minutes.
  • Perfect Balance: The bright citrus is beautifully offset by the herbal thyme in the crumble.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and wow your guests or family with minimal effort.
The image shows a clear glass cup with a creamy, pale yellow mousse-like layer filling most of the cup. Inside the cup, near the bottom, is a bright orange segment of fruit, likely a mandarin or tangerine. On top of the mousse is a crumbly, light brown topping with small green herb bits scattered within it. A silver spoon holds a spoonful of the mousse and crumb topping lifted above the cup, showing the smooth texture of the mousse and crunchy crumbs on the surface. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with blurred elements of the dessert in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe was chosen to create the right balance of rich creaminess, tangy citrus, and an herby crunch. When shopping, look for fresh, juicy clementines and good-quality butter cookies to get the best results.

  • Heavy cream: The base for the posset’s silky texture, full-fat cream works best here.
  • Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the citrus.
  • Clementines: Use fresh ones with lots of zest and juice—they give that lovely bright citrus flavor.
  • Lemon juice: Just a touch to enhance the citrus notes without overpowering them.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the thyme cookie crumble together.
  • Fresh thyme: This imparts an earthy, slightly savory note that really elevates the crumble topping.
  • Butter cookies: Use simple buttery cookies—they crumble easily and soak up the thyme.
  • Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and rounds everything out.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can tweak the herbs or cookie type to your liking – it’s super forgiving and makes a great base for your own twist.

  • Herb swaps: I’ve tried rosemary instead of thyme, which gives a woodsy note that works beautifully with the citrus.
  • Cookie base: Sometimes I use shortbread cookies for an even richer crumble or oat biscuits for extra texture.
  • Fruit variations: While clementines are my favorite, blood oranges or mandarins make lovely substitutes when in season.
  • Dairy-free adaptation: I tested using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and while it changes the texture slightly, it’s a nice dairy-free option.

How to Make Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Cream and Sugar

Begin by combining the heavy cream and sugar in a medium saucepan. Gently heat this over medium, stirring often until the sugar dissolves completely. This is where patience pays off—don’t rush the heat or let it boil too hard, because you want the cream to get hot enough to thicken, but not scorch. When you see tiny bubbles around the edges and the sugar is fully dissolved (about 5-7 minutes), you’re set for the next step.

Step 2: Add Clementine and Lemon Flavors

Take your clementines and zest about a tablespoon of skin into the warm cream mixture, followed by the juice from roughly 5 tablespoons of clementines and the lemon juice. Stir to combine, then remove the pan from heat. Add a tablespoon of butter now and stir until melted and incorporated. This addition helps get that posset ultra-smooth and silky—trust me, it makes a difference.

Step 3: Let the Posset Set

Pour the cream mixture into individual ramekins or glasses and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait!), so it sets into that creamy, custard-like consistency you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Prepare Thyme Cookie Crumble

While your possets chill, roughly crumble your butter cookies into a bowl. Pick the tiny leaves off about a teaspoon of fresh thyme and sprinkle them over the cookies. Add a small pinch of salt, then toss everything together. Melt the tablespoon of butter and stir it into the crumble mix for a bit of richness and to help the crumble stick together. It might sound simple, but this crumble adds such a beautiful texture and an unexpected freshness that I find myself sneaking some right out of the bowl.

Step 5: Serve with a Crunch

Right before serving, sprinkle the thyme cookie crumble generously over each posset. The crunch contrasts so nicely with the smooth, citrusy custard—it’s honestly the kind of bite I look forward to every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe

  • Zest First, Juice Later: I learned that zesting before juicing helps you get all that aromatic oil off the skin without losing any juice.
  • Low and Slow Heating: Heating the cream gently prevents scorching and keeps the posset ultra-smooth.
  • Chill Patience Pays Off: Don’t rush the setting time—4 hours minimum ensures the perfect custard-like texture.
  • Crumble Right Before Serving: Adding the crumble last minute keeps it crunchy and aromatic instead of soggy.

How to Serve Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe

A glass bowl holds a smooth, creamy pale yellow dessert as the base layer. On top, there is a bright orange tangerine slice partly peeled, placed slightly off-center. Next to the tangerine sits a rough, crumbly golden-brown topping with small green bits scattered through it. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, there are a few whole and partly peeled tangerine pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or a very thin slice of clementine zest on top—not only does it look pretty, but it also hints at the flavors inside. Sometimes, a few crushed cookie crumbs sprinkled on top add extra texture and make things look effortlessly rustic.

Side Dishes

Since this posset is rich but light, I often pair it with a light green salad for lunch or a simple cheese board if I’m serving it after dinner. The citrus freshness pairs beautifully with sharp cheeses and nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

A fun idea I’ve tried is layering the posset with crushed cookie crumble in clear glasses to show off the textures. For a dinner party, tiny glass jars tied with twine and a thyme sprig make for a charming little gift or takeaway treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making your possets, keep them covered in the fridge—plastic wrap works perfectly. They stay great for up to 3 days. I always find they taste even better after a night to let the flavors really marry.

Freezing

I haven’t had much success freezing this posset because the texture changes once thawed—it can get a little grainy. So I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so no reheating needed! Just bring it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving if you want it to soften slightly, but keep it chilled to maintain the texture and fresh citrus brightness.

FAQs

  1. What is posset, and how is it different from panna cotta?

    Posset is a traditional British dessert made from cream, sugar, and citrus juice thickened by acid, giving it a silky, custard-like texture without using gelatin or eggs. Panna cotta, on the other hand, relies on gelatin to set and often has a firmer texture. Posset feels more delicate and creamy in comparison.

  2. Can I use other citrus fruits instead of clementines?

    Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully to other citrus like blood oranges, mandarins, or even lemon and lime blends. Just adjust the juice quantity so the posset sets properly and keep zest in balance so it’s not too bitter.

  3. How do I know when the posset is set?

    After chilling for at least 4 hours, the posset should appear thickened and slightly wobbly, similar to a firm custard. It will hold its shape but still be soft and creamy when you scoop it.

  4. Can I make the thyme cookie crumble ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the crumble a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container and add it to the posset just before serving to keep it crunchy and fresh.

  5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

    Definitely! The flavors are bright and mild, and the crumbly topping adds fun texture. Just ensure young kids don’t get any whole thyme leaves, as the flavor can be strong.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe turns out every time—there’s something so soothing about the creamy citrus custard paired with the herbal crunch that just makes me smile. When I first tried making it, I was blown away by how effortlessly elegant it felt, and now it’s my go-to dessert when I want to impress without fuss. I really hope you’ll give it a try and discover your own little moment of joy in this simple but stunning dessert. Trust me, once you make it, this will be one recipe you keep coming back to!

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Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe

4.4 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble is a luscious, creamy custard dessert with a bright, citrusy flavor from fresh clementines, complemented by the subtle earthiness of thyme. The dessert features a smooth, silky posset topped with a crunchy crumble made from butter cookies infused with thyme, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory elements that make it a refreshing and elegant treat.

Ingredients

For the Clementine Posset

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Zest of 5-6 clementines (about 1 tbsp)
  • Juice of 5 clementines (about 5 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Thyme Cookie Crumble

  • 6-10 butter cookies
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Posset Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, clementine zest, and fresh thyme leaves. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely and infuse the cream with the thyme and clementine flavors.
  2. Add Citrus and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the clementine juice, lemon juice, butter, and salt until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the zest and thyme leaves, resulting in a smooth, fragrant posset base.
  4. Cool and Set: Pour the strained posset mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Allow to cool slightly before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or until fully set and chilled.
  5. Prepare the Thyme Cookie Crumble: Crush the butter cookies finely, and mix in the fresh thyme leaves. This crumble will add a crunchy, aromatic topping for the posset.
  6. Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the thyme cookie crumble generously over the set posset to add texture and a savory contrast to the creamy citrus dessert.

Notes

  • This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients to create a silky posset with intense clementine flavor.
  • The addition of fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note that complements the citrus beautifully.
  • The butter cookies provide a sweet and savory crumble topping, enhancing both texture and flavor.
  • Chilling the posset for at least 4 hours is essential for it to fully set and develop its custard-like consistency.
  • You can adjust the amount of sugar and citrus juice to your taste preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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