Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that captures the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies and the cozy warmth of hot chocolate in every bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out with their crackled, shiny tops and soft, chewy centers. Plus, there’s just something about that deep chocolate flavor with a hint of cocoa mix that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Stick around — I’ll walk you through the whole process so you can nail these beauties in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an important part in making these Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe so irresistible. From the creamy butter that melts into the chocolate chips, to the special cocoa mix that adds a cozy, nostalgic touch.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Use good-quality chips—they melt smoothly and add the best chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Room temp is ideal to combine easily and keep the cookie tender.
• Chocolate Supreme Cocoa Mix (or Dutch process cocoa powder): This adds a richer-than-usual cocoa essence, making these cookies taste extra special.
• Dutch-process cocoa powder: For deep color and a smooth chocolate flavor without bitterness.
• Granulated sugar: Helps create that perfect crackled top and balances sweetness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the cookie.
• Large eggs: Bring richness and help with that brownie-like texture.
• Vanilla extract (or peppermint extract): I recommend vanilla, but peppermint is fun for a holiday twist.
• All-purpose flour: Use the spooned and leveled method to avoid dense cookies.
• Baking powder: Just enough lift for lightness without puffing too much.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the chocolate depth.

Variations

I like to tweak this Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe now and then, depending on the occasion or mood. It’s a forgiving base, so feel free to get creative!

• Peppermint Twist: Swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top—my family goes wild for this during the holidays.
• Nutty Delight: Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for some delightful crunch and extra flavor.
• Espresso Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to really amplify the chocolate depth.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend; just watch the baking time closely.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate and Butter with Care

Start by setting up a double boiler—the secret to smooth, glossy melted chocolate. Fill a medium pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl, then rest the bowl over the pot without letting it touch the water. Stir frequently until everything is melted and perfectly shiny. This step is crucial because once you mix in the cocoa powders, the chocolate flavor blooms beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Cocoa Powders Right Away

While the chocolate-butter combo is still warm, sift in both the Chocolate Supreme Cocoa Mix and the Dutch-process cocoa powder. Use a spatula to incorporate them smoothly. Don’t skip sifting here—it helps prevent lumps, making the batter luxuriously smooth, which is part of what gives these cookies their decadent texture.

Step 3: Beat Your Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla Until Pale and Fluffy

This is one of my favorite steps because it’s magic in action. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium-high for a solid 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture turn creamy, pale, and thick—this aeration is what helps your cookies get that amazing crackled top and soft inside, just like brownies.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Dry Ingredients Gently

Pour the egg mixture into your chocolate mixture and gently fold with a large spatula. Then whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and fold these dry ingredients in just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing is a common trap that can lead to tough cookies, so a light hand here is key. The batter will be more wet and glossy than typical cookie dough — that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Scoop, Bake, and Watch the Crackle Magic

Use a medium cookie scoop to portion dough onto parchment-lined sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I’ve found baking two sheets at once on separate racks helps with even cooking. Bake at 325°F for 9 to 10 minutes—when the edges are set but the tops are still puffy and cracked, they’re ready. They’ll deflate as they cool, leaving that beautiful shiny, crackled surface we all admire.

For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt atop the warm cookies just before serving. It’s a little trick I discovered that makes those chocolate flavors pop even more.

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt—it really elevates that chocolatey richness. Sometimes, I dust them lightly with powdered sugar or add a few mini marshmallows on top right after baking for a s’mores vibe. You can’t go wrong with whipped cream on the side either if you want to dress them up.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or your favorite coffee, naturally. For a more indulgent treat, I sometimes serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of chocolate mousse to turn dessert into a real celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies on a tiered stand with sprigs of fresh mint and cinnamon sticks—it makes a stunning centerpiece. Another fun idea is to sandwich them with marshmallow fluff and coat the edges in crushed peppermint or chopped nuts for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper, and they stay soft and chewy for about 3 days. If you want to keep that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture, adding a slice of bread to the container works wonders—it keeps moisture in without making the cookies soggy.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I prefer freezing the dough scooped but unfrozen, placing balls on a tray and then transferring them to a freezer bag once solid. That way, you can bake fresh cookies straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Fully baked cookies freeze well too—in an airtight container, they last for about a month.

Reheating

To reheat, pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, stretchy center and slightly melty feel I love—just like they were freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hot Chocolate Brownie Crinkle Cookies Recipe really holds a special place in my baking repertoire. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s straightforward but rewards you with bakery-level treats every single time. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or gifting something homemade, these cookies bring that perfect blend of chocolate indulgence and warm nostalgia. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how easy—and delicious—they are. Trust me, once you do, these might just become your new go-to cookie.

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