Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you are a chocolate lover like me, you are going to adore this Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the intensity and fudgy satisfaction of a brownie while offering the delightful crackled surface that makes crinkle cookies so irresistibly charming. Each bite delivers a rich, dense chewiness that’s balanced by a tender crumb, making these cookies a perfect everyday indulgence or a special treat to share. From the glossy chocolate dough to the snowy powdered sugar coating, this recipe brings a little bakery magic right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture and deep chocolate flavor in these cookies. Each component plays an essential role—flour and cocoa powder provide structure and richness, while the twin sugars enhance moisture and sweetness. Butter and oil ensure a tender crumb, and chocolate chips add extra bursts of melty decadence.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for structure and chewiness without being tough.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift so the cookies puff just enough.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate depth.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds richness and a silky texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Creates crisp edges and a slight crunch beneath the crackled top.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Keeps the cookies moist and imparts caramel undertones.
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable): Contributes to chewy softness without flavor interference.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind the dough and add moisture for that fudgy consistency.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate with warm aromatic notes.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks: Provides pockets of melted chocolate bliss.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Helps create the distinctive crackled crust on the cookies.
• 1/2 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar (for rolling): Gives the cookies their signature snowy, crinkly finish.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures even distribution of the cocoa and leavening agents, which is crucial for uniform texture and chocolate flavor in every cookie.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter with both granulated and brown sugars, plus the oil. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens a bit, looks glossy, and lightens in color. This step creates a luscious base that will give the cookies their crunchy crust and chewy interior.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk the eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture until smooth and shiny. These ingredients add moisture and enhance the richness, making the dough irresistibly fudgy.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture in two additions, folding gently with a spatula just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and sticky, reminiscent of brownie batter’s satisfying heft.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks evenly throughout the dough. These little gems will melt as the cookies bake, creating gooey pockets of chocolate you will swoon over.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 to 45 minutes until firm enough to handle. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and strengthens the cookie’s chewy texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures easy cleanup and evenly baked cookies.

Step 8: Set Up Rolling Bowls

Place 1/3 cup granulated sugar in one shallow bowl and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in another. These will be used to coat the dough balls, creating the cookie’s signature crinkle crackle.

Step 9: Portion and Roll Dough Balls

Use a small scoop or spoon to divide the dough into about 24 equal portions. Roll each between your palms to form smooth balls so each cookie bakes evenly with a uniform shape.

Step 10: Coat in Sugars

First, roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar to lightly coat it, then roll generously in the powdered sugar for a thick, even coating. This two-step sugar coating not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds textural contrast.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place your coated dough balls on the prepared sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread and form their lovely crackled tops and chewy edges without merging together.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies puff up, develop beautiful cracks on top, and the edges look just set while the centers remain slightly soft. This timing locks in that irresistible chewy brownie texture.

Step 13: Cool Briefly on Baking Sheet

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool there for 5 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up just enough before transferring without breaking.

Step 14: Transfer to Wire Rack

Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they remain chewy and fudgy on the inside, with a perfectly crackled exterior that makes them truly crave-worthy.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle a few extra chocolate shavings or finely chopped nuts on top of the cookies just after baking. A dusting of cocoa powder or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate creates a lovely contrast and boosts visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These chewy chocolate brownie crinkle cookies are fantastic with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cookie display special by layering these cookies in a glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon as a thoughtful gift. Alternatively, sandwich them with a dollop of marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache for a fun, gooey treat that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft yet chewy without becoming dry or overly hard. Layering with parchment paper prevents sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave each cookie for about 10 seconds. This brings back their melty charm and chewy texture as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder?

Yes, dark cocoa powder will intensify the chocolate flavor and give a richer color, but it can also make the cookies slightly more bitter, so you might want to adjust the sugar a little depending on your taste.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling is highly recommended as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, which helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.

Can I replace the chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Definitely! You can substitute with chunks of your favorite chocolate bar, nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit for a personalized twist on the chewy chocolate brownie crinkle cookies recipe.

Why do the cookies crack and not spread flat?

The coating of granulated sugar followed by powdered sugar, along with the thick, chilled dough, causes the surface to crack during baking, creating that iconic crinkle look instead of spreading flat.

Are these cookies gluten-free or can they be made gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but note that texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you want a cookie that feels like a wonderfully fudgy brownie with a fun, crackly exterior, this Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe is calling your name. It’s a joy to bake, delightful to eat, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with every chewy, chocolatey bite.

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