Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’re going to absolutely adore this Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that hits all the right spots: fudgy in the center, with beautifully cracked tops that look like little snowy mountains dusted with sugar (or sea salt if you’re feeling fancy). I first tried making these on a chilly afternoon, and ever since, they’ve become my go-to treat when I want something cozy, rich, and utterly chocolatey. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these magical cookies come out perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons this Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe works so well is because every ingredient plays a unique role—from melting butter with chocolate to carefully sifting in cocoa powders for that intense chocolate flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials and some tips for choosing them.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Look for quality chocolate chips; they melt smoothly and add deep chocolate flavor and texture to your cookies.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt content better—plus it melts perfectly with the chocolate for richness.
• Chocolate Supreme Cocoa Mix (or Dutch process cocoa powder): This boosts the chocolate intensity and adds complexity; Dutch-process cocoa works best for that smooth, less bitter taste.
• Granulated sugar: Helps with the crackly tops and adds sweetness without heaviness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that keeps the cookies chewy and tender.
• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to ensure the batter blends smoothly and the cookies rise correctly.
• Vanilla or peppermint extract: Vanilla is classic, but peppermint adds a festive twist if you want to switch things up.
• All-purpose flour: Measure carefully by spooning and leveling to avoid dry or dense cookies.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookies light lift and helps with those charming cracks on top.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps balance all the sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.

Variations

I’ve played around quite a bit with this Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe, and I love how easy it is to make it your own. Whether it’s swapping extracts or adding your favorite mix-ins, these cookies can wear many hats. Feel free to get creative!

• Peppermint Variation: I add peppermint extract instead of vanilla around the holidays—everyone loves that cool, chocolate-and-mint combo that’s instantly festive.
• Nutty Add-ins: Try folding in chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the fudginess.
• Spiced Up: A pinch of cayenne or cinnamon can add subtle warmth and depth that surprises guests in the best way.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend; just watch the texture as some blends are denser.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate and Butter Perfectly

Start by setting up a double boiler: simmer about two inches of water in a pot, then place a heat-safe bowl on top—making sure it doesn’t touch the water. Toss in your chocolate chips and butter, stirring often until everything’s melted into a silky, shiny mixture. This step is key to getting that decadent, glossy base for your batter. Once melted, sift your cocoa powders directly into the bowl and stir gently. Let this cool a bit before moving on so your eggs don’t cook when combined.

Step 2: Beat the Sugars, Eggs, and Extract Until Fluffy

Using a stand or hand mixer, whip together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla (or peppermint). This needs about 4-5 minutes on medium-high speed until the mixture is lighter in color and really creamy. This step is what helps create the iconic crackled tops — don’t skip or rush it!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Carefully

Fold your egg mixture into the cooled chocolate-butter blend gently with a spatula. Then whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl before folding those dry ingredients into the chocolate batter. The trick here: fold just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense, so keep it light and delicate.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake with Confidence

Use a medium cookie scoop to drop neat, round mounds of batter onto parchment-lined trays, spaced about two inches apart. This batter is pretty wet and smooth—kind of like brownie batter, so don’t worry! Baking both trays at the same time on separate racks gives you even results. Bake at 325°F for 9-10 minutes, just until edges are set and tops are puffed and cracked. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose that fudgy magic inside. Let them cool right on the sheets for 10 minutes to firm up perfectly.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

My absolute favorite garnish is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven—it perfectly cuts through the rich chocolate and brings out the depth of flavor. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar for a snowy look, or even mini marshmallows melted on top for that hot cocoa feel.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combo, or get cozy with a hot mug of spiced chai or creamy coffee. For an indulgent twist, I sometimes serve alongside vanilla ice cream—because, why not treat yourself?

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these to a party or making them for a special occasion, try stacking them on a pretty plate with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprig of mint on the side. Wrapping a couple cookies up in clear cellophane tied with twine also makes adorable gifts that scream homemade love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, and they stay delightfully chewy. I learned that stacking them with parchment sheets between helps keep their tops crackled without sticking together.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well! I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they don’t stick together, and I can pull out just the number I want anytime the chocolate craving strikes.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven (300°F for 5 minutes). This revives the fudginess and softens them just right without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the best of two worlds: the luxuriousness of a brownie and the ease of a cookie. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or just sneaking a few for yourself with a cup of coffee. I honestly think once you try these, they’ll become a household favorite too. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking—your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

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