Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the deep, fudgy flavor of brownies combined with the delightful chewiness of cookies, then you are going to adore this Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are an irresistible combination of rich cocoa, a soft, crinkly exterior dusted with confectioners’ sugar, and just the right touch of sea salt flakes to awaken all your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers that perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and pantry-friendly ingredients for this Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe ensures a smooth baking process. Each element plays a key role—from the tender crumb of all-purpose flour to the rich cocoa powder that delivers chocolate intensity, and the sea salt flakes that add a contrasting pop of flavor.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewy texture to the cookies.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the dough with a rich, deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and lightness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds moistness and a buttery richness that melts in your mouth.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the slight crisp edges of the cookies.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar: Creates the iconic crinkled cookie top while adding a subtle sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes: Provides the finishing touch that balances the sweetness with a burst of saltiness.

How to Make Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, plus it ensures your cookies bake evenly with beautifully crisp bottoms.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is important to evenly distribute the rising agent and salt throughout the cocoa-rich flour, setting the foundation for uniform flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process aerates the mixture, contributing to the tender crumb and that delightful cookie lift.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

To your fluffy butter and sugar, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse each bite with its classic warm aroma. This ensures the liquid ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough stays smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold in the bowl of dry ingredients until the dough just comes together. It will be sticky—that’s exactly what you want to keep your cookies moist and fudgy. Resist the urge to overmix as it can make the cookies denser.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and helps your cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 7: Roll and Sugar-Coat

Once chilled, scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball generously in confectioners’ sugar, ensuring every nook and crinkle will create that trademark crackled look after baking.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Proper spacing ensures each cookie bakes perfectly without sticking together.

Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt Flakes

Lightly sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top of each dough ball. This addition might seem small, but it’s a game-changer, creating that savory-sweet contrast that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the tops display the signature crinkle pattern—a sign of chewy and fudgy deliciousness inside.

Step 11: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow your freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time lets them firm up just enough so they won’t break when you transfer them to a wire rack, where they finish cooling to the perfect texture.

How to Serve Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies are already garnished with sea salt flakes, but for special occasions, adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts can elevate their look and flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn them into an indulgent dessert. Their fudgy center and salty highlights make them excellent companions to creamy or rich beverages and sweets.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special gatherings, stack these cookies on a pretty plate and tie with a ribbon or serve them in a decorative tin. You can also sandwich a spoonful of mascarpone or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a unique twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. If you want to maintain their soft texture, a slice of bread in the container helps retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze well if wrapped tightly, ready to be thawed and enjoyed later.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, then warm them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a preheated oven. This short heat refreshes their softness and melty chocolate goodness.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. The sea salt flakes on top can still be added for that sweet-savory contrast.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup like all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different but the cookies will still taste fantastic.

Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies bake without spreading too thin, preserving their fudgy center and crinkled tops.

How important is it to use sea salt flakes?

Sea salt flakes add a delicate crunch and burst of saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate, elevating the overall flavor profile.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can try substituting the butter with a vegan alternative and using flax eggs or another egg replacement. The texture might vary, but they should still be enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a treasure worth baking again and again, whether you’re new to baking or an experienced pro. The luscious chocolate flavor, charming crinkles, and that perfect hint of sea salt make these cookies an instant favorite for family, friends, or just a cozy treat for yourself. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll hold a special place in your dessert lineup forever!

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