Why You’ll Love These Brownie Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are not just a dessert; they are an experience! Here’s why they stand out:

• Visual Showstopper: The combination of the rich chocolate cookie with a delicate, snow-crackled top makes these cookies Instagram-worthy!
• Irresistible Indulgence: Enjoy the luxurious fusion of a brownie’s rich decadence with the satisfying chewiness of a cookie.
• Perfect Texture: Each cookie features a fudgy, gooey center with slightly crisp edges, creating an inviting texture contrast.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The dough only improves with chilling, making these cookies perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings or surprise treats!

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the cookies.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep, chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise to perfection.
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and ensures a moist texture.
• Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melts into the dough for a lush, fudgy interior.
• Granulated and Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a delightful crunch, while brown sugar keeps the cookies moist.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and providing structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the cookies their signature white, crackled exterior.
• Optional Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Brownie Crinkle Cookies

Making these cookies is incredibly straightforward! Here’s how to whip them up:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mix aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the unsalted butter and chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate together. You can do this over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Once melted, let it cool slightly.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs for approximately 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and thick. An electric mixer can make this job easier. Once combined, stir in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract until everything is well blended.

4. Create the Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. If you’d like, this is the time to fold in some chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor!

5. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop. Chilling not only helps create that fudgy texture but also promotes the formation of those characteristic crinkles.

6. Roll and Coat the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon-sized scoop to portion out the chilled dough, rolling each scoop into a ball. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully covered.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The tops should look crackled and shiny, while the centers should remain soft. Avoid overbaking, as this will affect the deliciously fudgy texture!

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the baked cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, it’s time to dig in and enjoy these delightful treats!

Tips for the Best Brownie Crinkle Cookies

Follow these handy tips for perfectly crinkled cookies every time!

• Be Precise: Measure your dry ingredients accurately to prevent dense or dry cookies. The spoon-and-level method is recommended for flour.
• Treat Yourself: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) for the best flavor.
• Cool the Chocolate Mixture: Allow the melted butter and chocolate to cool slightly before adding to the eggs to avoid cooking them.
• Room Temperature is Key: Use room-temperature eggs for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix! When combining the ingredients, mix just until incorporated to maintain their tender texture.
• Chill for Crinkles: Ensure the dough is properly chilled to prevent overspreading and promote the desired crinkle effect.

How to Store Brownie Crinkle Cookies

Keeping your delicious cookies fresh is easy with a few simple steps:

To Store

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The powdered sugar coating should remain intact unless your kitchen is overly humid.

To Freeze Baked Cookies

Layer the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Before serving, let the cookies thaw at room temperature.

To Freeze Dough

Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a lined baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer the balls to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To bake, allow the frozen dough to thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed.