Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a brownie recipe that sets a new gold standard, these Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies will absolutely steal your chocolate-loving heart! Every bite delivers intense chocolate flavor, a fudgy interior, and—my favorite part—that signature shiny, crackly top nobody can resist.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple ingredients to whip up the best batch of Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies. Each element plays a starring role—so even though the list is simple, every ingredient works its magic for maximum chocolatey oomph, shiny tops, and the most luscious texture.

• Salted Butter: Browning butter adds a nutty aroma and complexity, making these brownies stand out from the crowd.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These melt seamlessly into the browned butter, creating a smooth, deeply chocolatey base.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves quickly, giving your brownies a delicate crumb and that shiny, crackly crust all over.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavors and balances the richness.
• Instant Coffee Granules: Just a bit of coffee intensifies the chocolate and adds subtle depth—no one will guess it’s there!
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk up light and airy, leading to a perfect texture and glossy top.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give structure while letting the brownies stay ultra-fudgy.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder brings an extra boost of chocolate flavor while keeping the brownies from being too sweet.
• Baking Powder: A tiny amount makes the brownies rise just enough for a lovely bite without sacrificing chewiness.
• Sea Salt: A pinch underscores all the flavors and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chunks: Stirred in at the end, these melt into gooey pockets for true chocolate lovers.

Variations

Part of the magic of Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies is how beautifully they adapt to your cravings or what’s in your pantry. Feel free to experiment—these brownies are wonderfully welcoming to all sorts of delicious twists!

• Nutty Brownies: Stir in a handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for crunch and extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Brownies: Substitute a trusted gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a treat everyone can enjoy.
• Extra Chocolatey: Swap in dark chocolate cocoa powder for an intense, almost bittersweet bite.
• Espresso Upgrade: Double the instant coffee for a mocha twist that chocolate and coffee fans will adore.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Dollop creamy peanut butter atop the batter and swirl with a knife before baking—pure heaven!

How to Make Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper—leave a slight overhang for effortless brownie removal later. A perfectly prepped pan ensures the brownies cook evenly and that all those gorgeous crinkles stay intact!

Step 2: Brown the Butter and Melt the Chocolate

Add the salted butter to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Let it sizzle and foam, swirling occasionally, until it smells toasty and turns golden—a cozy, nutty aroma will fill your kitchen! Immediately remove from heat and stir in the mini chocolate chips until melted and smooth. This step creates that unforgettable brown butter chocolate base.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs to Airy Perfection

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs for a full minute until they’re light, foamy, and bubbling on top. This is not only fun but essential—the air you whip in now translates to a dramatic, shiny crinkle top once baked.

Step 4: Mix Together the Chocolate and Sugars

Pour your warm, melted brown butter chocolate mixture into the eggs. Add the powdered sugar and keep whisking until everything’s satiny and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. This mixture should look rich and glossy—don’t rush this part, it’s the foundation of your gooey interior and shimmery top!

Step 5: Fold in the Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chunks

Gently stir in the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt just until combined—stop as soon as no dry streaks remain to keep the brownies tender. Finally, fold in the chunks of semi-sweet or dark chocolate for bursts of molten chocolate in every slice.

Step 6: Bake and Create That Magical Crinkle

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 28-30 minutes, watching closely toward the end. The brownies are ready when they’re just set with a shiny, crinkled surface (don’t overbake!). If you like, sprinkle a little flaked sea salt over the top while they’re hot for an extra touch.

How to Serve Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies

Garnishes

For a gourmet finish, shower your brownies with a pinch of flaky sea salt right after they come out of the oven. You can also dust them with a delicate drift of powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These brownies absolutely shine next to a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte. For an after-dinner dessert plate, pair them with fresh, tart berries such as raspberries or strawberries—a bright counterpoint to the deep chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies into classic squares for sharing, or use cookie cutters for festive shapes (hearts or stars are extra cute for holidays). Stack them in twos, wrap individually with parchment and twine for party favors, or create a dramatic dessert platter by alternating brownie pieces with chocolate-dipped fruit and edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover brownies can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, tightly wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container. They’ll retain their fudgy goodness and that irresistible crinkle top longer than you’d expect—if they last that long!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these treats! Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months; just thaw at room temperature to get that fresh-baked texture back.

Reheating

For the ultimate gooey experience, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Warmed up, those chocolate pockets soften and the aroma is simply irresistible—just like freshly baked Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies all over again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I just know you’re going to fall head over heels for these Brown Butter Crinkle Top Brownies! Make a batch for your next celebration—or, honestly, whenever you need a treat that feels both cozy and a little extra special. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share (or keep every decadent bite for yourself—I promise, I won’t judge)!

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