As the sun dipped below the horizon, filling my kitchen with a warm, golden glow, I found myself craving something decadent yet simple—a treat that captures the essence of both nostalgia and joy. That’s when my mind drifted to Brownie Crinkle Cookies, a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and chewy goodness that is surprisingly easy to make.
You wouldn’t believe that these little beauties require just a handful of pantry staples and under 30 minutes from start to finish! Whether it’s a gathering with friends, a cozy evening at home, or a sweet surprise for the family, these cookies are the perfect solution to satisfy those chocolate cravings without a fuss. The moment they emerge from the oven, their crinkled tops dusted with powdered sugar beckon you to indulge, promising a soft, fudge-like center with every bite.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create a batch that will leave everyone asking for seconds—even if they’ve just polished off a plate! Ready? Let’s dive into this chocolate wonderland!
Why You'll Love This Brownie Crinkle Cookies
- These Brownie Crinkle Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious treat in under 30 minutes.
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with their chewy texture makes them utterly irresistible and a real crowd-pleaser.
- They are also versatile enough to fit any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together, a family night in, or even as a delightful gift.
- Plus, the stunning visual appeal of their crinkly tops dusted in powdered sugar elevates any dessert table, making them a true showstopper.
Brownie Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these delightful Brownie Crinkle Cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – essential for structure and texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – gives a deep chocolate flavor; use a high-quality brand for best results.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps achieve a chewy consistency.
- Brown sugar – brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Large eggs – bind the ingredients together and provide richness.
- Vegetable oil – keeps the cookies moist and gives them that chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile; never skip this!
- Baking powder – helps the cookies rise and achieve that lovely crinkle top.
- Salt – a pinch balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar – rolls the cookies to create an irresistible look and adds a sweet finish.
How to Make Brownie Crinkle Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the surface.
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Whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Enjoy the rich aroma as you mix!
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Combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Then, gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You want a fudgy dough, so avoid over-mixing!
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Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies keep their shape and develop that delicious chewy texture.
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Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them in powdered sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to give them space to spread!
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Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly underbaked. You’ll know they’re done when their tops are beautifully crinkled!
Optional: Dust with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Brownie Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to mix things up and put your personal touch on these delightful treats in ways that will tantalize your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
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Minty Fresh: Add 1 tsp of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing mint chocolate twist that feels festive all year round.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that marries beautifully with the sweetness.
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Choco-Chunky: Instead of rolling the cookies in powdered sugar, dip them in melted chocolate before rolling for an extra indulgent experience that chocolate lovers will adore!
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Zesty Citrus: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the dough to lighten the rich chocolate flavor with a bright, citrusy zing.
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Coconut Bliss: Fold in a half cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist that takes you on a sweet escape in every bite.
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Double Chocolate: Swap the unsweetened cocoa powder for dark cocoa powder to amplify the chocolate flavor, creating an ultra-rich cookie experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Brownie Crinkle Cookies are an excellent option for busy weeknights or quick get-togethers! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the chilled dough, roll it in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. If you prefer, you can also freeze the rolled dough balls for up to 3 months; just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw—simply bake straight from the freezer, adjusting the baking time slightly. This way, you’ll always have fresh, chewy cookies ready to satisfy any craving!
What to Serve with Brownie Crinkle Cookies?
Indulging in these delightful cookies opens up a world of pairing possibilities that can elevate your dessert experience!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool ice cream perfectly complements the warm, fudgy cookies for a classic combo.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a pillowy texture that contrasts the chewy cookies beautifully.
- Espresso or Coffee: The rich, bold notes of coffee enhance the chocolate richness, making for a delightful after-dinner treat.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more decadent, consider pairing with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch. Drizzling it over your warm cookie creates a luscious experience that chocolate lovers will savor every moment of.
To round out your dessert spread, serve with a touch of caramel sauce for an intriguing flavor twist that will leave everyone asking for more!
How to Store and Freeze Brownie Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days; they’ll stay soft and delicious.
Fridge: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, though they may lose some chewiness.
Freezer: To freeze Brownie Crinkle Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Brownie Crinkle Cookies, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for optimal results.
- Don’t rush the chilling step, as it is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture and preventing excessive spreading.
- Watch the baking time closely and remove them from the oven just as the edges begin to set for the best moist, fudgy centers.
- Finally, for an extra decadent flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder for a richer chocolatey experience.
Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cocoa powder for Brownie Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! Selecting a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder is key for rich chocolate flavor. I recommend looking for options that boast a deep, dark hue without any additives. Brands like Dutch-processed cocoa are excellent for bringing out that deep chocolate taste and making your cookies extra decadent.
How should I store Brownie Crinkle Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay wonderfully soft! If refrigeration is necessary, keep them in an airtight container for up to a week, but do remember they may slightly lose their chewy texture.
Can I freeze Brownie Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer the cookies to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels excessively sticky, don’t worry! It’s completely normal. You can try chilling the dough for a longer period (up to 1 hour) to firm it up. If it’s still not manageable, sprinkle in a little extra flour, a teaspoon at a time, until the consistency is just right for rolling.
Are Brownie Crinkle Cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes! This recipe does not include any nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies. However, always double-check the labels on your ingredients to confirm they haven’t been processed in facilities that handle nuts. As an added precaution, consider using certified allergy-friendly brands for cocoa powder and flour.
Brownie Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in another bowl, then gradually add this to the wet ingredients.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them in powdered sugar before placing them on the baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain slightly underbaked.
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