Easy 5-Ingredient Brownie Mix Crinkle Cookies: Fudgy, Fast & Irresistible!
Get ready to fall in love with these incredibly easy brownie mix crinkle cookies! Made with just 5 simple ingredients and a boxed brownie mix, this recipe delivers perfectly fudgy, deeply chocolatey cookies with that signature crinkled, powdered sugar coating. They are unbelievably quick to whip up, making them the ideal treat for sudden cravings, last-minute gatherings, or a fun baking project with the kids.
If you’re a fan of convenient desserts made from mixes, you’ll also want to explore my easy brookie bar recipe for a delicious brownie-cookie hybrid, or indulge in this creamy brownie batter dip – both are fantastic ways to enjoy rich brownie flavor with minimal effort.
Can You Really Make Delicious Cookies with Brownie Mix? Yes!
Many home bakers often wonder if the convenience of a cake mix can be extended to cookies. After successfully sharing how to make cookies from cake mix, one of the most frequent questions I receive is whether you can achieve similar results with a brownie mix. I’m thrilled to confirm that the answer is a resounding YES!
Transforming a simple box of brownie mix into delectable cookies is not only possible but incredibly straightforward. Boxed brownie cookies are a fantastic shortcut to a rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey dessert without the need for a long list of ingredients or complex steps. They boast a dense, chewy texture reminiscent of a brownie, but in a convenient, handheld cookie form. This method significantly cuts down on prep time, making homemade treats accessible even on the busiest days.
Below, you’ll find a tried-and-true brownie mix cookie recipe that is bursting with authentic brownie flavor, elegantly rolled in powdered sugar to create beautiful crinkles, and baked to delicious perfection. The result is a soft, chewy interior with a slightly crisp edge and a sweet, delicate coating that makes these cookies irresistible.
Not keen on the crinkle effect? No problem! There are plenty of other creative ways to customize and dress up your brownie cookies if you prefer a different look or flavor profile. Be sure to check out our recipe variation notes further down for some inspiring ideas!
Continue reading to unlock the secrets of making delightful cookies using just a box of brownie mix and a few pantry staples.
Why You’ll Adore These Fudgy Brownie Mix Crinkle Cookies
These absolutely delicious fudge brownie crinkle cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a crowd-pleasing sensation! Their rich chocolate flavor and appealing crinkled appearance make them an excellent choice for potlucks, birthday parties, holiday cookie trays, or simply as a comforting mid-week treat when you need a little something sweet. Their portability and unique look always make them a hit.
The truly amazing part about this recipe is its sheer simplicity: it only calls for 5 ingredients! That’s right, just five basic components are all it takes to create these impressive, homemade chocolate crinkles. This minimalist ingredient list means less shopping, less measuring, and less cleanup – truly a baker’s dream.
If you love easy cookie recipes with minimal ingredients, here are a few more favorites from my collection: delightful peanut butter cornflake cookies, bright and zesty lemon cake mix cookies, celebratory funfetti cookies with cake mix, or the fruity sweetness of strawberry cake mix cookies. Each one proves that amazing desserts don’t have to be complicated!
Essential Ingredients for This Simple Brownie Cookie Recipe
The magic of these brownie mix crinkle cookies lies in their incredibly short ingredient list. You likely have most of these items in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fudge Brownie Mix: An 18.3 or 18.4 ounce box is ideal. Any brand will work perfectly, so feel free to use your favorite. The “fudge” variety helps ensure a rich, moist, and chewy cookie.
- Eggs: Three large eggs act as a binder and add moisture, contributing to the cookies’ fudgy texture and helping them hold their shape. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just one cup of flour transforms the brownie mix from a brownie batter into a cookie dough consistency, giving the cookies structure and preventing them from spreading too much.
- Butter: Half a cup of melted butter adds richness, flavor, and helps achieve that wonderfully tender chewiness. Unsalted butter is preferred, but salted butter can be used by slightly reducing any added salt in the recipe (though none is typically added beyond what’s in the mix).
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is the key to creating those beautiful crinkles! Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking creates a contrast that cracks as the cookies expand, revealing the dark chocolate beneath.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Brownie Mix Cookies
While these brownie mix crinkle cookies are absolutely delightful as they are, one of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your brownie cookies:
- Skip the Crinkle: If the powdered sugar crinkle isn’t your preferred look or texture, simply omit that step! You’ll still get wonderfully rich and fudgy chocolate cookies that are delicious on their own.
- Frosting & Sprinkles Fun: For a more celebratory feel, let the baked cookies cool completely, then spread a layer of your favorite chocolate, vanilla, or even cream cheese frosting on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of colorful sprinkles or nonpareils for a festive touch, perfect for birthdays or holidays.
- Chocolate Drizzles: Drizzle melted white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish. You can use a piping bag with a fine tip or simply a spoon to create artistic drizzles. A touch of sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle can also add a gourmet touch.
- Add a Crunch: Stir in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the dough for a delightful textural contrast. Alternatively, boost the chocolate factor even further by mixing in chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate), mini chocolate candies, or even chopped toffee bits.
- Minty Freshness: For a refreshing twist, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough or fold in some crushed peppermint candies or Andes mint chips.
- Espresso Boost: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder or coffee granules to the brownie mix. It deepens the chocolate without making the cookies taste like coffee.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: After forming the dough balls, make a small indentation and dollop a bit of peanut butter in the center before rolling in powdered sugar. The peanut butter will create a delicious surprise inside.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cookies from Brownie Mix
Making these delightful brownie mix cookies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Oven: Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Brownie Cookie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed brownie mix and the all-purpose flour. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Next, add the three room-temperature eggs and the melted butter. Begin mixing with a sturdy spoon or spatula. The dough will be quite thick and somewhat sticky, which is perfectly normal for these fudgy cookies. Don’t be afraid to ditch the spoon and get your hands in there to really mix everything together until no dry spots remain and a cohesive dough forms. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated for the best texture.
3. Roll in Powdered Sugar for Crinkles: Once your dough is ready, it’s time to form the cookies. I highly recommend using a cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon in size) to ensure uniform cookie shapes and sizes, which leads to even baking. Scoop out portions of the dough, then gently roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. Next, generously roll each dough ball in a bowl of powdered sugar, ensuring it’s completely coated. The more powdered sugar sticks, the more pronounced your crinkles will be! Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Pro Tip for Sticky Dough: If you find the dough too sticky or difficult to handle, simply cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the dough will stiffen it up significantly, making it much easier to roll and shape into perfect cookie balls.
4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer your baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and slightly firm, but the centers still look soft and fudgy. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry cookies. They will continue to set as they cool. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you move them. Finally, transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The crinkle effect will become more prominent as they cool.
These brownie batter cookies are not just a treat to eat, but also a wonderful and fun cookie recipe for kids to help prepare. Little helpers often have a blast assisting with mixing the dough, rolling the dough into perfect balls, and then covering them generously in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. It’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the joy of baking and create lasting memories in the kitchen!
Do Brownie Mix Cookies Freeze Well for Later Enjoyment?
Absolutely! Cookies made with brownie mix are excellent candidates for freezing, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting treats whenever a craving strikes, or to prepare them in advance for parties. They retain much of their flavor and texture beautifully after thawing.
While the overall taste and texture will remain delicious, it’s worth noting that some of the powdered sugar coating on the crinkle cookies might melt off slightly during the freezing and thawing process. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect the flavor, but the distinct crinkle pattern might be a little less defined. If presentation is paramount, you might consider re-rolling them in a fresh coat of powdered sugar just before serving after they’ve thawed, or simply embracing their rustic charm.
To freeze your brownie mix cookies, first ensure they have completely cooled to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, place them in an airtight freezer bag or a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without compromising quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw on the counter at room temperature for an hour or two. Once thawed, they’re ready to be savored!
Can I Use A Gluten-Free Brownie Mix for This Recipe?
For those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences, the good news is that you can most likely adapt this recipe using a store-bought gluten-free brownie mix. Many popular brands now offer excellent gluten-free options that are designed to perform similarly to their traditional counterparts.
While I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe with a gluten-free brownie mix, in most cases, a direct substitution should work. The added flour in this recipe will also need to be a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum usually works best for baking). The main consideration might be the dough’s consistency; some gluten-free mixes can be slightly drier or absorb liquids differently. You might find the dough a little more crumbly or slightly less sticky, but it should still be workable. If the dough seems too dry, you can try adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches a good, manageable consistency for rolling.
Brands like Betty Crocker and Ghirardelli often have widely available gluten-free brownie mixes that could be a great starting point for your gluten-free brownie crinkle cookies. Always check the specific package instructions for any unique recommendations for that particular mix. With a little care and possibly minor adjustments, you can absolutely enjoy these delicious crinkle cookies even on a gluten-free diet.
Tips for Perfect Brownie Mix Cookies Every Time
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter, leading to a smoother dough and better cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tougher cookies.
- Chill the Dough (if needed): As mentioned, if your dough is too sticky to handle, a quick chill in the fridge will make it much easier to roll into balls. This also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! A thick, even coating is key to achieving those beautiful, pronounced crinkles.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always use parchment paper or silicone baking mats. They prevent sticking, ensure easy cleanup, and help the cookies bake evenly without burnt bottoms.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Brownie cookies can go from perfectly fudgy to dry very quickly. Start checking them at 9 minutes. They are done when the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps them set properly.
Serving Suggestions for Your Fudgy Treats
These brownie mix crinkle cookies are fantastic on their own, but they can be even more delightful with the right accompaniment:
- Classic Milk: A tall, cold glass of milk is the quintessential partner for any chocolate cookie.
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee, espresso, or your favorite tea for a comforting snack.
- Ice Cream Sundae: Crumble a warm cookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup for a quick brownie sundae.
- Fruit Pairing: The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Hot Chocolate Dip: Serve alongside a mug of hot chocolate for an ultimate chocolate indulgence.
I genuinely hope that you and your loved ones enjoy these super easy and incredibly delicious brownie mix crinkle cookies as much as we do! They are truly a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
For another delightful chocolate cookie adventure, be sure to give our chocolate cherry thumbprint cookies a try. They offer a different but equally satisfying chocolate experience!
Brownie Mix Crinkle Cookies
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1 18.3 or 18.4 ounce box brownie mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone liner. This prevents sticking and helps ensure even baking.
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In a large bowl, stir to combine the brownie mix and all-purpose flour. Then, mix in the room temperature eggs and melted butter. The dough will be quite thick and sticky. For best results, use your hands to really work the ingredients together until a uniform dough forms, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
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Roll the dough into balls, approximately 1 tablespoon in size for each cookie. Once formed, generously roll each dough ball in the confectioners’ (powdered) sugar until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and the centers still appear soft and slightly fudgy. Avoid overbaking. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The crinkles will become more pronounced as they cool.
Notes
Nutrition
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