Crinkle Top Brownie Cookies

Crinkle Top Brownie Cookies are the perfect fusion of chewy brownies and classic cookies. These rich, chocolatey treats have a glossy, crackled top and a soft, fudgy interior. Whether served as a quick dessert or packaged for gifting, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the texture of a brownie with the shape of a cookie

• Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients

• Fudgy, rich chocolate flavor with a crinkled sugar-dusted top

• Perfect for holidays, parties, or an indulgent snack

• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter

• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate

• Granulated sugar

• Light brown sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Powdered sugar

• Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Melt the butter and chocolate together, then let cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.

5. In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick, brownie-like dough forms.

7. Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.

8. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.

9. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the tops are crinkled and the cookies have set around the edges.

10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 18–24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough balls

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Bake time: 10–13 minutes

• Cooling time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Peppermint: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough

• Espresso: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha flavor

• Nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

• Chocolate chunks: Mix in dark or white chocolate chunks for extra richness

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a unique twist

Storage / Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Freezer (baked cookies): Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature

• Freezer (dough): Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time

• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes to restore softness

FAQs

What gives these cookies their crinkle top?

The crinkle top forms from the air whipped into the sugar and egg mixture, which causes the top to crack as it bakes.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, though Dutch-processed cocoa offers a deeper, richer flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is not required, but a short chill (15–20 minutes) can make the dough easier to handle.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

Under-whipping the eggs or overmixing the dough can prevent the characteristic crinkle from forming.

Can I make smaller cookies?

Yes, use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time to 8–10 minutes.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients?

Absolutely—try extracts, nuts, or different types of chocolate to suit your taste.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

They remain fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, the recipe scales well—just be sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them with a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Conclusion

Crinkle Top Brownie Cookies offer the best of both worlds: the rich flavor of a brownie with the portability of a cookie. With their signature cracked tops and soft, chewy centers, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether baked fresh or frozen for later, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy every chocolate craving

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