Name: Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces chopped chocolate (bittersweet or semisweet); 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 egg yolk (room temperature); 1 cup cane sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup all purpose flour (regular or gluten free); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch-processed); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semisweet); 1 pinch flaky salt (for sprinkling)

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you are a fan of rich chocolate treats with a twist, you are going to adore this Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the fudgy, deep flavor of brownie with the delightful crackled surface of crinkle cookies, perfectly accented by a pinch of flaky sea salt. Every bite melts deliciously with a balance of sweet and salty, offering a chewy yet tender texture that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just a special treat, these cookies deliver a homemade magic that feels like a warm hug from your oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small clear glass bowls placed in a vertical line on a white marbled surface with strong shadows. From top to bottom, the first bowl contains broken chunks of dark chocolate with a rough texture, the second bowl holds fine white granulated sugar, the third bowl is a small vial with clear salt, the fourth bowl has a bright golden yellow oil, the fifth container is a metal cup with white flour, the sixth bowl contains dark brown cocoa powder with a fine texture, the seventh bowl has a small amount of dark amber vanilla extract, and the eighth bowl at the bottom is filled with small, round dark brown chocolate chips. All bowls show clean, clear textures and their ingredients stand out against the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating that perfect flavor and texture combination. From the bittersweet chocolate that provides a rich backbone to the touch of flaky salt that elevates the sweetness, every element is essential.

8 ounces chopped chocolate (bittersweet or semisweet): The heart of the cookie’s intense chocolate flavor, melting to create that fudgy base.
1/3 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the cookies tender while giving a subtle richness.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Important for structure and that lovely chewy texture inside.
1 egg yolk (room temperature): Extra richness to boost the fudgy softness without drying out the cookies.
1 cup cane sugar: Sweetens perfectly and helps form the crackled cookie tops.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the chocolate flavor with warm, comforting notes.
3/4 cup all purpose flour (regular or gluten free): Provides the necessary structure while keeping the dough soft.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch-processed): Adds an extra punch of chocolate and intensifies the color.
1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the chocolate’s depth.
1/2 cup chocolate chips (semisweet): Little pockets of melty goodness inside every cookie.
1 pinch flaky salt: The final flourish to sprinkle on top, giving a delightful crunch and salty contrast.

How to Make Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by getting your oven ready to bake these beauties: preheat it to 350°F. Meanwhile, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfectly formed cookies.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 15-second bursts, stirring well between each interval, so it melts gently and smoothly without burning. This melted chocolate creates the luscious, brownie-like base that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 3: Combine Oil with Melted Chocolate

Add the vegetable oil to the melted chocolate and whisk until fully combined. This mixture adds moisture and richness to the dough, giving the cookies their tender bite and satiny crumb.

Step 4: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the eggs, egg yolk, and cane sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture that’s light in color—this step is key for a soft and airy texture inside each cookie.

Step 5: Incorporate Vanilla and Chocolate Mixture

Add the vanilla extract and the combined chocolate and oil to the beaten eggs and sugar. Mix on medium speed until everything is blended smoothly and beautifully glossy. This step infuses the batter with deep flavor and gives the dough that rich chocolate look.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Turn the mixer down to low and slowly add the flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender. Then fold in the chocolate chips gently by hand or with the mixer on low, dispersing those melty pockets throughout.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a large cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about a half inch between each dough ball since they won’t spread much. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft, and you see that trademark crackled surface forming like a shiny mosaic.

Step 8: Cool and Sprinkle Flaky Salt

Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking trays to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the tops with a small pinch of flaky salt. This final touch highlights the chocolate’s richness and adds a perfect crunch and pop of savory flavor.

How to Serve Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The image shows three round mounds of glossy dark brown chocolate dough placed on white parchment paper on a metal baking tray. Each mound has a smooth but slightly uneven texture with a shiny surface, and their edges are a bit rough and irregular. The tray is slightly tired and has dark marks on the edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The scene is lit with natural light casting soft shadows around the cookie dough mounds, showing their three-dimensional shape clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To dress these cookies up a bit, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A tiny dollop of whipped cream or a fresh raspberry on the side can also make them feel extra special and that much more decadent.

Side Dishes

These cookies are incredible on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk, a rich cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns a simple treat into an unforgettable indulgence. The creamy, cool sides complement the warm, fudgy cookies perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifts, stack the cookies tied with a rustic ribbon or arrange them on a wooden platter dusted with cocoa powder for a stunning display. You can also sandwich two cookies with chocolate ganache or peanut butter filling for a delightful twist everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep their chewy texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread inside helps maintain moisture so they stay soft and irresistible longer.

Freezing

To enjoy these treats beyond the week, freeze baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature without losing their lovely texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This little warming up revives that fresh-baked feel and gooey fudginess that makes the Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe so magical.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for these cookies?

Absolutely! While bittersweet or semisweet chocolate gives a nice balance of sweetness and depth, you can experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter cookie or even dark chocolate with higher cocoa content for extra intensity. Just keep in mind this will affect the overall flavor profile.

Why are my cookies not cracking on top?

Crinkled tops come from the sugar beating process and the dough’s moisture level. Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy and avoid overmixing the flour. Also, using the right amount of sugar and baking at the correct temperature helps the signature crackling.

Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

You can, though the texture will be a bit different. Butter may create a slightly firmer cookie and a richer flavor, but the vegetable oil keeps these cookies extra soft and moist. If substituting, use melted butter and keep quantities the same.

Is it necessary to use flaky salt on top?

While not absolutely mandatory, flaky salt adds that essential contrast to the sweetness and highlights the chocolate’s flavor beautifully. If you don’t have flaky salt, a light sprinkle of kosher salt or sea salt works well, too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. This Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe works wonderfully with gluten-free flour, and you won’t lose any of the fudgy, chewy goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the lookout for a cookie that combines brownie decadence with the fun crackly texture and a touch of salt, this Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, rewarding to share, and simply delightful to eat. Give it a try—you might just find your newest favorite baked good to impress family and friends alike!