Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you love the chewy depths of brownies just as much as the irresistible crackly finish of cookies, get ready to swoon over Brownie Crinkle Cookies. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy centers, glossy crinkles on top, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Perfectly simple, surprisingly elegant, and guaranteed to make chocolate lovers smile, these cookies are wonderful for everything from casual coffee breaks to impressing holiday guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brownie Crinkle Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is a classic baking staple, yet they come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips on how they each shape the finished cookie’s taste, texture, and signature look.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates that unforgettable fudgy texture at the heart of every cookie.
• Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bar: The secret weapon for deep, intense chocolate flavor and glossy crinkles.
• Large Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and lending that shiny top layer brownies are famous for.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings out all the chocolate notes and adds an extra hint of warmth.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough, but also plays a huge role in the crinkled surface.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth, making the cookies rich and slightly chewy.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, keeping everything tender without weighing it down.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Boosts the chocolate experience and gives the cookies their gorgeous, dark hue.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies puff up, giving them that perfect thickness.
• Baking Powder: Works in harmony with baking soda for just the right lift and structure.
• Kosher Salt: Balances all the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavor pop even more.
• Powdered Sugar: For rolling—this gives that cloud-like, snowy exterior and classic crinkle look.

How to Make Brownie Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Chocolate

Start by melting the butter and chopped unsweetened chocolate bar together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and glossy, then set aside to cool just slightly. This step lays the flavor foundation and creates an ultra-fudgy base for your Brownie Crinkle Cookies.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mixture

While your chocolate mixture is cooling, whisk the eggs in a small bowl until frothy. Add both the granulated and brown sugars, along with vanilla extract, whisking until well combined. Pour in the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture and stir again—the combined sugars help set the stage for that signature crinkled top.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Resist the temptation to over-mix; stopping when there are just a few visible streaks of flour is best for tender cookies.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and refrigerate for at least two hours. This step is crucial: it allows the dough to firm up (making it easy to handle), and it also intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Shape and Preheat

Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out dough and roll it into balls. Chilled dough is a bit sticky, but don’t worry—the next step smooths everything out.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar and Bake

Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until completely coated. This not only turns the cookies into showstoppers, but it also ensures those fabulous, snowy crinkles. Arrange them on your baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10 minutes. Don’t overbake—remember, you want gooey middles!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the Brownie Crinkle Cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 5 to 6 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This short rest helps them finish setting up and makes them easier to move. Now you can fully appreciate those gorgeous cracks and tender middles.

How to Serve Brownie Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust more powdered sugar on top or add a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. Both options take the chocolate flavor up a notch and add a bakery-style finish to your Brownie Crinkle Cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a cup of strong coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Set out a platter along with fresh berries for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Brownie Crinkle Cookies in parchment-lined boxes for gifting, or stack them on a tiered cake stand at a party. For special occasions, tie them up in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon or tuck them into lunchboxes for a sweet midday surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies irresistibly soft, store leftover Brownie Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously chewy for up to 4 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

Both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls freeze beautifully. For the dough, shape and roll in powdered sugar, then freeze on a tray until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute to the bake time. Baked cookies can be frozen too; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you love warm cookies (and who doesn’t?), pop a Brownie Crinkle Cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This refreshes the texture and makes the chocolate inside wonderfully gooey again.

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the dough for Brownie Crinkle Cookies?

Chilling is key for shaping and texture—it helps the dough firm up so you can roll it easily and ensures the cookies bake thick with crackly tops instead of spreading flat.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of a baking bar?

While chocolate chips will work in a pinch, a chopped unsweetened chocolate bar gives richer flavor and a smoother melted consistency—definitely worth seeking out for authentic Brownie Crinkle Cookies.

How can I make these cookies extra fudgy?

If you’re chasing maximum fudginess, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting as they cool. The centers will stay tender and brownie-like while the edges hold their shape.

Do Brownie Crinkle Cookies ship or travel well?

Absolutely! Their chewy centers and crackly finish hold up well in transit. Pack them in snug layers with parchment between for gifts or care packages.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chunks?

Definitely—try folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chunks for extra texture. Just be careful not to overload the dough so you still get those perfect crinkles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie that captures everything wonderful about brownies in a pretty, crinkled package, these Brownie Crinkle Cookies are sure to win you over. Whip up a batch soon and share them with someone you love—nothing brings a little joy to the day like homemade cookies warm from the oven!

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