If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both bright and comforting, you’re going to absolutely love this Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe. It’s one of those sweet treats that’s surprisingly simple yet feels fancy enough to impress guests or just treat yourself on a cozy night in. The creamy, citrusy posset pairs perfectly with a crumble that’s got a little herbal twist — trust me, it’s a flavor combo that sticks with you in the best way.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of things that you’re likely to have on hand, which means no crazy shopping list.
Bright & Creamy Contrast: The tangy citrus posset with the buttery thyme cookie crumble creates an irresistible flavor balance.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert chills beautifully, freeing you up to enjoy your guests instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Elegant Yet Easy: Looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert but comes together in about 15 minutes of active time.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe is in the balance of simple, quality ingredients. When picking your clementines, go for ones that feel heavy for their size — they’ll be juicier and tastier. And don’t skip the fresh thyme; it adds an herbal note that really elevates the cookies.

Heavy cream: Full-fat cream works best here for that rich, silky texture.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the citrus zing.
Clementines: You’ll need the zest and juice; fresh is a must to get that vibrant flavor.
Lemon juice: A little extra acidity helps brighten the posset perfectly.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the crumble its luscious mouthfeel and nice golden color.
Fresh thyme: This is the secret herb that adds a subtle savory note to balance the sweetness.
Butter cookies: Choose simple, buttery cookies (like shortbread) that crumble easily.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the other flavors and balance the sweetness.

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

One of the things I love about this Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve played around with adding different herbs or switching up the cookie crumble to fit the occasion or what I have on hand — it never disappoints.

Herb swap: I once tried rosemary instead of thyme, and while it was lovely, thyme remains my favorite for the delicate balance it offers.
Cookie options: If you want a nuttier edge, swap the butter cookies for almond biscotti crumbles — it’s a game changer.
Non-dairy adaptation: I haven’t tried this myself, but using coconut cream instead of heavy cream could work for a dairy-free version, just expect a bit of a different texture.
Extra citrus zing: Mixing in some orange zest along with the clementine zest gives a brighter, more complex citrus note if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Zest and Juice Your Clementines

Start by carefully zesting about 1 tablespoon of clementine peel — be sure to avoid the white pith because it turns bitter. Then juice enough clementines to get about 5 tablespoons of fresh juice. Freshness here is key; I always find that the bright citrus aroma sets the tone for the whole dessert.

Step 2: Heat Heavy Cream, Sugar, and Zest

Pour the heavy cream and sugar into a saucepan, add the clementine zest, and gently heat over medium. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is just about to simmer — never let it boil. At this point, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Add Clementine Juice, Lemon Juice, and Butter

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh clementine juice, lemon juice, and butter until fully melted and combined. This cooling step is crucial because it helps set the posset’s creamy texture as it chills. I like to whisk it a little here to keep it smooth.

Step 4: Chill the Posset

Pour the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best if you can wait. The posset will set into a silky custard-like texture that’s just dreamy. I usually place a loose-fitting lid or plastic wrap on top to keep fridge odors at bay.

Step 5: Prepare Thyme Cookie Crumble

While your posset chills, crush the butter cookies gently — I use a rolling pin over a ziplock bag, but finger-crumbling works too. Toss the crumbs with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of salt to add a subtle savory note. This crumble adds texture and an herbal complexity you might not expect but will absolutely adore.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Right before serving, sprinkle the thyme cookie crumble generously over the possets. The contrast between the creamy posset and crumbly topping is the best part. I like to garnish with a small sprig of thyme or a thin clementine peel twist for extra flair.

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Pro Tips for Making Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe

Zest Before Juicing: It’s much easier to zest firm, whole clementines before you cut and juice them.
No Boiling Please: To get that perfect custard texture, keep the cream mixture just under boiling — stirring helps prevent scorching.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the fridge time; the posset needs several hours to fully set into that silky texture.
Fresh Thyme Over Dried: Using fresh thyme for the crumble makes a huge flavor difference — it’s worth a little trip to the farmer’s market or grocery store.

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 typically finish this dessert with a small thyme sprig on top or a thin strip of candied clementine peel if I have the time. Sometimes I lightly dust a little powdered sugar over the crumble for a subtle snowy look — it adds that little extra “wow” factor.

Side Dishes

This posset is really a stand-alone treat, but I enjoy pairing it with a cup of strong black tea or a refreshing sparkling water with citrus zest. For a festive touch, serve alongside some lightly roasted nuts or a small plate of mild cheeses to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the posset in elegant glass jars or vintage teacups to add a charming vibe. Layering a bit of extra crumble inside the glass before pouring the posset makes a fun, layered effect. And if you’re hosting, you can personalize each serving with a tiny edible flower or a twist of citrus zest on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover posset keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them covered with plastic wrap or in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent the posset from absorbing other fridge smells.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen this posset myself because I worry the texture might change once thawed, but if you try it, I’d recommend freezing in small airtight containers and thawing slowly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so I usually don’t reheat it. That cool, creamy texture is part of the charm, and heating it would change that. If you have leftovers, just enjoy them straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of clementines?

Absolutely! Clementines are great because they’re sweet and mild, but you can experiment with oranges, mandarins, or even tangerines. Just keep in mind some citrus can be more tart or bitter, so adjust the sugar and lemon juice accordingly.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal aroma to the crumble that dried thyme can’t quite match. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, or try a tiny sprinkle of lavender or rosemary for a different but still delicious flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! The flavors are fresh and not too sharp, plus the creaminess appeals broadly. Unless your kids are allergic to dairy or citrus, this posset with thyme cookie crumble is a delightful treat for all ages.
How long does a posset take to set?

It usually takes at least 4 hours in the fridge to set properly, but overnight chilling is ideal because it results in a smoother, firmer texture.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Clementine Posset with Thyme Cookie Crumble Recipe enough. It’s become my go-to when I want something that feels special but isn’t fussy or complicated. Every time I make it, friends and family ask for the recipe — and now I’m sharing it with you! Give it a try; I’m betting you’ll be making it again and again, especially when clementines are in season.