Brownie Crinkle Cookies: Fudgy, Crinkly Delights

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Grab your mixing bowls, friends, because we’re whipping up a batch of my famous brownie crinkle cookies! These little bundles of fudgy, crinkly joy are the stuff of dreams – the perfect balance of rich chocolate and a crisp, sugar-dusted exterior. Baking them up in my cozy Asheville kitchen always brings a smile to my face, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. Whether you’re a seasoned cookie connoisseur or a newbie in the kitchen, these brownie crinkle cookies are guaranteed to delight. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade comfort and pure indulgence. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This brownie crinkle cookies

Ah, brownie crinkle cookies – where do I even begin? These treats are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, combining the fudgy, decadent goodness of brownies with the satisfying crunch of classic cookies. What’s not to love? The secret to their irresistible appeal lies in the contrast of textures – a crisp, crackly top that gives way to a soft, chewy center. And the flavor? Pure chocolate bliss, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings. These cookies are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing with loved ones (or hoarding all to yourself – I won’t judge!). Plus, they’re super easy to make, even for beginner bakers. So if you’re looking for a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy, look no further than these dreamy brownie crinkle cookies. Brace yourself for the ultimate in homemade indulgence!

Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! For these brownie crinkle cookies, you’ll need a few simple, pantry-friendly staples. First up, the chocolatey base – unsweetened chocolate, cocoa powder, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Then, the usual cookie suspects: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and unsalted butter. To sweeten things up, we’ll use granulated sugar and brown sugar. And let’s not forget the egg and a splash of vanilla extract for that signature cookie flavor. That’s it, folks! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of these irresistible treats.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chocolate Chips: You can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet (the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious).
Dairy-Free: To make these cookies dairy-free, simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.

How to Make brownie crinkle cookies

Alright, let’s get baking! Grab your aprons and let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these dreamy brownie crinkle cookies.

Step 1: [Prep Work]

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help ensure your cookies bake up evenly and release easily from the pan.

Next, let’s tackle the chocolate. In a medium bowl, melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter together, either in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy, then set it aside to cool slightly.

While the chocolate is cooling, grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.

Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]

Now for the fun part – mixing up the dough! In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and brown sugar together until well combined. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Slowly pour in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated. Don’t be alarmed if the batter looks a bit thick and fudgy – that’s exactly what we want!

Finally, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gently fold the flour mixture into the chocolate batter until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, too, for pockets of melty goodness.

Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]

Now for the fun part – shaping the cookies! Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll it into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are crinkled and the edges are just set. Don’t worry if the centers still look a little underbaked – they’ll continue to set as the cookies cool.

Step 4: [Finishing Touches]

Once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes on the baking sheet, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set up and develop that irresistible fudgy texture.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can give the cooled cookies a light dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a beautiful touch of sweetness and makes them look like they’re straight out of a bakery display.

And there you have it, folks – your very own batch of homemade brownie crinkle cookies, fresh from the oven and ready to be devoured. Grab a tall glass of cold milk and get ready for the ultimate in chocolatey bliss.

A plate of freshly baked brownie crinkle cookies showcasing their crinkled tops and rich chocolate color.

Recipe Variations & Tips

Add-Ins: Try adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a festive twist.
Extra Chocolate: For an even richer, fudgier cookie, melt in a few squares of high-quality dark chocolate along with the unsweetened chocolate.
Sugar Swaps: Swap out the brown sugar for light or dark muscovado for a deeper, more complex flavor. Or try using a combination of white and brown sugars for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
Peanut Butter: Swirl in a bit of peanut butter for a nutty take on the classic brownie crinkle cookie.

Serving & Storage

Serve with: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate.

Storage: These cookies will keep for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months – just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead: The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as usual.

Love crinkle cookies and fudgy chocolate desserts? You’ll find plenty more baking favorites on our Pinterest.

Nutrition Information

I know we all love to indulge in a sweet treat now and then, and these brownie crinkle cookies are no exception. But don’t worry, they’re not completely off the rails when it comes to the numbers.

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 160 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbs: 22 g
Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 70 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever type of chocolate chips you prefer. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of different varieties would all work beautifully in these brownie crinkle cookies. Just keep in mind that the final flavor profile may vary slightly depending on your chocolate choice.

How do I get the perfect crinkly top?

The key to achieving those iconic crinkly tops is all about the baking process. Make sure to scoop the dough into nice, round balls before baking, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Additionally, be sure not to overbake the cookies – they should still look a bit underbaked in the center when you pull them out of the oven. As they cool, the cookies will continue to set up and develop those gorgeous crinkly tops.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The brownie crinkle cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as usual. The chilled dough will actually help the cookies develop an even chewier, fudgier texture.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Simply let the baked cookies cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature and you’re good to go.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free or dairy-free?

Great question! While this recipe is designed for traditional all-purpose flour and dairy-based ingredients, you can absolutely make some substitutions to accommodate dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend. And for dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The end result may vary slightly in texture and flavor, but the delicious essence of these brownie crinkle cookies will still shine through.