Why did my cookies spread too much?

The dough wasn't chilled long enough or you used a different brownie mix brand. Some mixes have different fat-to-flour ratios. If using a brand other than Ghirardelli, you might need to add ¼ cup of flour to compensate.

Can I use a different brand of brownie mix?

Yes, but results will vary. Ghirardelli works best, with Pillsbury as a close second. If using Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker, add ¼ cup all-purpose flour to prevent excessive spreading.

Why didn't my cookies develop the crackly top?

The crackly effect happens when the top of the cookie sets before the cookie is fully baked. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you've coated the cookies generously with powdered sugar.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be set but the centers will look slightly underdone. They'll continue to bake from residual heat after removal from the oven. If you wait until they look completely done, they'll end up overbaked and lose their chewy texture.

Brownie Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Name: Brownie Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18 ounces Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownie Mix (plus included chocolate syrup); 2 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (½ stick); 1 cup powdered sugar

These irresistible Brownie Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies transform a simple box of brownie mix into decadent, fudgy cookies that look as impressive as they taste! With their signature crackly tops and chewy centers, these cookies deliver intense chocolate flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a chocolate fix without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Just 4 ingredients and about 10 minutes of active prep time! The brownie mix does most of the flavor work for you.
Fudgy Perfection: These cookies have the most incredible texture—crisp edges with soft, fudgy centers that taste like the corner piece of a brownie (you know, the best part!).
Visual Showstopper: Those distinctive crackly tops coated in powdered sugar create a beautiful contrast that makes these cookies look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, after-school treats, or whenever a chocolate craving hits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brownie Mix: Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownie Mix is the star here, creating the perfect texture and rich chocolate base. The included chocolate syrup pouch adds extra moisture and flavor.
Eggs: These bind everything together and help create that perfect crackly top we’re aiming for.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter adds richness and helps create that chewy texture we all love. The fat content is important for the right consistency.
Powdered Sugar: Creates that beautiful snow-capped appearance and adds a hint of sweetness that balances the deep chocolate flavor.

Using Ghirardelli mix specifically makes a big difference in how these cookies turn out. Other brands may require adjustments.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Love to experiment? Here are some delicious twists on the basic recipe:

Mint Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon of mint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist.
Espresso Chocolate: Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Spicy Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that enhances the chocolate.
Rocky Road: Fold in mini marshmallows and chopped nuts before refrigerating the dough.

How to Make Brownie Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix (including the chocolate syrup packet), eggs, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well incorporated and you have a thick, glossy dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This is a crucial step! Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F and pour the powdered sugar into a small bowl.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

Once chilled, scoop heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into smooth balls between your palms. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure it’s completely coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underdone. Don’t overbake! These cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This allows them to set up properly without breaking.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use the Right Mix: Ghirardelli brownie mix creates the best texture. If using other brands like Pillsbury, you’ll get good results, but avoid Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker unless you add ¼ cup flour to prevent spreading.
Double Coat: For extra-white cookies, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar twice before baking.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the dough isn’t optional! It’s essential for achieving the right texture and preventing flat cookies.
Watch the Bake Time: These cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies, a small cookie scoop ensures even baking and professional-looking results.

How to Serve

These delicious chocolate crinkle cookies are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving:

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a cold glass of milk for the classic combination, or elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies.

Gift Giving

Stack 6-8 cookies in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a pretty ribbon, and attach a handwritten note for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Cookie Platters

These cookies add beautiful contrast to holiday cookie assortments with their striking dark chocolate and white powdered sugar appearance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead Options

The cookie dough can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also roll the dough balls and freeze them (before coating in powdered sugar). When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The dough wasn’t chilled long enough or you used a different brownie mix brand. Some mixes have different fat-to-flour ratios. If using a brand other than Ghirardelli, you might need to add ¼ cup of flour to compensate.
Can I use a different brand of brownie mix?

Yes, but results will vary. Ghirardelli works best, with Pillsbury as a close second. If using Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker, add ¼ cup all-purpose flour to prevent excessive spreading.
Why didn’t my cookies develop the crackly top?

The crackly effect happens when the top of the cookie sets before the cookie is fully baked. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you’ve coated the cookies generously with powdered sugar.
How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be set but the centers will look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to bake from residual heat after removal from the oven. If you wait until they look completely done, they’ll end up overbaked and lose their chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

These Brownie Mix Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are what I call “back-pocket baking” at its finest—impressive results with minimal effort! The deep chocolate flavor and perfect texture make them irresistible, while the beautiful crackly appearance makes everyone think you’ve spent hours perfecting your technique. Whether you’re short on time, ingredients, or baking confidence, this recipe delivers professional-looking cookies that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. Go ahead and let them think you slaved away in the kitchen—I won’t tell!