Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that’s chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the edges, and packed with rich, chocolatey flavor. It’s like a brownie and a cookie had a delicious little baby—and the result is pure magic. Trust me, these Brownie Crinkle Cookies are everything you’ve ever wanted in a dessert. With each bite, you’ll get that perfect combination of soft and fudgy, all wrapped in a slightly crackly, sugar-coated exterior. So, if you’re a chocolate lover (and who isn’t?), you’re going to want to keep reading.
Why You’ll Love Brownie Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Here’s why they’re an absolute must-try:
Irresistibly Chewy: The inside of these cookies is pure brownie bliss. With a soft, fudgy texture, they practically melt in your mouth.
Crispy Edges: The outside of each cookie is coated with powdered sugar, which bakes into a crackly, crisp finish that adds just the right amount of texture contrast.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need any special equipment or advanced skills to make these beauties. They come together in a snap and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holiday baking, a family gathering, or just a special treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s hard to go wrong with chocolate!
Ingredients in Brownie Crinkle Cookies
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make these cookies so amazing. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need to make them:
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The rich, chocolatey base of the cookies. Cocoa powder gives these cookies that deep chocolate flavor without being too sweet.
Sugar: The sugar does more than just sweeten the dough; it also helps give these cookies their signature crinkle effect.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the cookies that soft, chewy texture on the inside.
All-Purpose Flour: The flour provides structure to the cookies and balances out the gooeyness of the cocoa.
Baking Powder: This little ingredient helps give the cookies a little rise and lightness.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Instead of butter, we use oil in these cookies to keep them moist and fudgy.
Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the cookies their beautiful crackly exterior. When you roll the dough in powdered sugar, it forms that signature crinkle pattern as the cookies bake.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now that you’ve got everything you need, let’s dive into the steps to make these irresistible cookies:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and gives you the perfect chewy center.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is combined and smooth.
Add the Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder. Stir until the dough comes together. It should be thick and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and ensures they keep that chewy, fudgy texture.
Roll the Dough: Once chilled, scoop out spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated. This is what will give your cookies those beautiful cracks as they bake.
Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Then, enjoy the heavenly aroma and irresistible taste!
How to Serve Brownie Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are perfect all on their own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate the experience:
With a Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk alongside these decadent cookies. The milk complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
On a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter, and add some chocolate truffles or mini cheesecakes for an impressive dessert spread.
Pair with Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These cookies are the ultimate pairing for a hot cup of coffee or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. They’ll satisfy any sweet craving.
Additional Tips
Want to make the most of your Brownie Crinkle Cookies? Here are some pro tips:
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential to get that crinkle effect, and it also helps with handling the dough.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
Make Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and chewy for days!
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the dough for later use, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?
A1: Yes, you can! Using butter will give the cookies a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A2: You can try using an egg substitute like flaxseed or chia seeds. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be great!
Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
Q5: How do I get the perfect crinkle effect?
A5: The key is in rolling the dough in powdered sugar and chilling it before baking. Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s crucial for those beautiful cracks.
Q6: Can I freeze the dough?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the dough in balls. Just roll them in powdered sugar and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q7: How do I make the cookies less sweet?
A7: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and powdered sugar coating.
Q8: Can I use gluten-free flour for these cookies?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will still turn out delicious!
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Of course! If you need more cookies, just double the ingredients and follow the same instructions.
Q10: How do I get soft, chewy cookies?
A10: Make sure to chill the dough before baking, and don’t overbake the cookies. They should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
These Brownie Crinkle Cookies are the perfect blend of fudgy, chewy, and chocolatey goodness. With a slightly crispy, powdered sugar exterior and a gooey, brownie-like center, they’re a chocolate lover’s dream come true. So go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to these little bites of heaven. You won’t regret it!
Brownie Crinkle Cookies
These decadent brownie crinkle cookies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. With their signature crinkles and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are the perfect sweet treat!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
Coating:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs for 2-3 minutes until pale and thickened. Use an electric mixer if needed. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm enough to scoop. Chilling helps create the fudgy texture and crinkles.
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheets:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, coating them fully.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are crackled and shiny but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking for a fudgy center.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key to achieving the perfect fudgy texture and crinkles.
- You can use any type of nuts or chocolate you prefer in this recipe.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg