Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover who adores rich, fudgy treats with a delightful chewy texture, then this Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies marry the best of both worlds—a brownie’s deep chocolate intensity and a cookie’s satisfying chew—capped with that irresistible crinkly sugar coating that makes them as eye-catching as they are delicious. Perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a few bites when no one is watching, these cookies promise pure chocolate bliss in every chewy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each item has a specific role—whether building texture, flavor, or that crave-worthy fudgy consistency—making this recipe both accessible and unforgettable.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and chewy.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings the deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s key to these cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a light, delicate crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the chocolatey goodness by balancing sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Gives richness and helps create that luscious brownie-like texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crackly top.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Infuses moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the cookies wonderfully tender and chewy.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind ingredients and add richness to the dough.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts flavor and rounds out the chocolate notes beautifully.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks: Melty pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie for extra indulgence.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for first coat): Creates the initial sugary layer that starts the cookie’s signature crinkle.
• 1/2 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar (for final coat): Forms the snowy, crackled finish that these cookies are loved for.

How to Make Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed without any lumps, which is crucial for a smooth, chocolaty batter.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and neutral oil until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and slightly lighter in color—this step adds the luscious glossiness that you’ll love in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk the eggs and vanilla extract into your sugar mixture until the batter looks smooth and shiny—it’s the moment your cookies start to come to life!

Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches. Gently fold them together with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be thick and sticky, reminiscent of brownie batter—that’s exactly how it should be.

Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks until they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough, promising little bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle and roll into those perfect balls without sticking to your hands.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

When the dough is nearly chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coatings

Set up two shallow bowls—one with the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and the other with the 1/2 cup powdered sugar. These will give your cookies that signature crinkle effect and irresistible crackled look.

Step 9: Scoop and Roll Dough Balls

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out roughly 24 equal pieces of dough. Roll each into a smooth ball between your palms to create uniform cookies that bake evenly.

Step 10: Coat in Sugars

First, roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar to lightly coat, then generously roll it in powdered sugar to form a thick, beautiful layer—the secret to that classic crinkle-cookie appearance.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow room for spreading without merging.

Step 12: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for puffed cookies with cracked tops and edges that are just set while the centers still look slightly soft—this ensures they stay chewy.

Step 13: Cool Slightly on Pan

Remove your baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. This short rest helps the cookies stabilize before transferring.

Step 14: Transfer to Wire Rack

Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they continue to firm up but remain perfectly chewy and fudgy inside—this is the moment you’ll know your Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe was a success.

How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are delightful on their own, sprucing them up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few flaky sea salt flakes just before serving can elevate their flavor and appearance. The contrast of salty and sweet truly awakens your taste buds.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a creamy cup of coffee, or a frothy hot chocolate. For a grown-up touch, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—the cold creaminess harmonizes perfectly with the warm, chewy cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these crinkle cookies on a rustic wooden board or arranging them in a pretty tin tied with a ribbon for gifting. They also make adorable sandwich cookies when paired with chocolate ganache or peanut butter in between. Presentation adds to the joy of sharing this favorite recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them moist, chewy, and fresh—perfect for those last-minute sweet cravings.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls after rolling them in sugar coatings for fresh-baked goodness whenever you’re ready.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This trick brings back the gooey, chewy magic you love.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a more intense bitterness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet crinkle coating. Feel free to swap or mix them according to your taste preferences.

What causes the crinkle effect on these cookies?

The crinkle effect comes from rolling the dough balls first in granulated sugar and then in powdered sugar. During baking, the cookie dough expands and the sugar coating cracks, creating that iconic cracked appearance.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it less sticky and easier to roll into balls. It also helps control spreading during baking, so you get that perfect chewy texture without the cookies turning too flat.

How chewy are these cookies compared to traditional brownies?

These cookies are intentionally tender and chewy like brownies but have a slightly lighter, more delicate crumb because of the baking powder addition. They strike a fantastic balance between fudgy and chewy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the first bite into a chewy, fudgy, perfectly crackled chocolate cookie, and this Chewy Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe delivers just that magic straight from your oven to your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some of the best chocolate crinkle cookies you’ve ever tasted.

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