Have you ever been captivated by the rich, nutty fragrance of butter as it transforms into golden brown goodness? That magical scent is just the beginning of my favorite cookie adventure: Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies. This delightful treat is the answer to my ongoing search for the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, coaxing tired souls away from the allure of fast food and into the warm embrace of homemade goodness.

Picture this: a bustling afternoon in my kitchen, the combination of melted chocolate and caramelized butter swirling in the air, creating anticipation for a nostalgic bite that brings back memories of childhood baking days. Everyone gathered around as the timer dings, and a tray of these crinkled beauties emerges—their crispy edges hinting at a soft, gooey interior that begs for a glass of cold milk.

What’s unique about these cookies? They deliver not just a glorious taste but a stunning presentation, making them perfect for sharing at your next gathering or simply savoring at home. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring joy back to your baking experience!

Why are Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies irresistible?

Aromatic Experience: The rich scent of brown butter enhances the entire baking experience, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your kitchen.
Gourmet Touch: These cookies feature Tony Chocolonely chocolate, elevating them with premium flavors and textures that delight any chocolate lover.
Unique Appearance: The signature crinkle effect not only looks stunning but also adds a delightful crunch, making them a visual treat.
Family Favorite: With a perfect balance of crispy edges and a chewy center, they’re sure to please everyone from kids to adults, making them ideal for gatherings or cozy nights.
Quick and Easy: Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes (excluding cooling time), allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without the hassle. For even more delightful cookie options, check out our homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to bake these incredible cookies!

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Adds a creamy richness that helps achieve that perfectly nutty flavor when browned.
All Purpose Flour – Provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape beautifully.

Baking Soda – A leavening agent that gives the cookies a delightful rise and light texture.
Fine Sea Salt – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors in the cookie.
Brown Sugar – Contributes to a rich flavor and chewy texture, making these cookies truly irresistible.

Granulated Cane Sugar – Balances the deeper notes of brown sugar and gives the cookies a nice spread.
Large Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together and create a soft, rich crumb.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic touch that complements the chocolate beautifully.

For the Chocolate

Chopped Tony Chocolonely Chocolate – Opt for your favorite flavor for extra richness and quality in every bite of your Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies.
Tony Chocolonely Lil’ Bits – These mini chocolate pieces make for delightful bursts of chocolate in every mouthful!

Enjoy crafting these treats that will surely become a cherished part of your home baking repertoire!

How to Make Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures a perfectly baked cookie right from the start, giving you that delightful aroma as they fill your kitchen.
Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often until it foams and turns a lovely golden brown, about 5-8 minutes. You’ll love the nutty fragrance—it’s the magic ingredient!
Cool the brown butter for 10 minutes. This step lets the butter settle so it can meld beautifully with the other ingredients later on.

Mix sugars and brown butter. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the brown sugar and granulated cane sugar with the cooled brown butter. Beat for 1 minute until it’s creamy and inviting.
Incorporate eggs and vanilla. Add the large eggs and vanilla extract to your sugar mixture, then beat for another minute until fully combined and fluffy.
Combine dry ingredients separately. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt well to incorporate all the dry elements evenly.

Add the flour mixture to the mixer. Gradually add the flour mixture into the stand mixer, mixing until just halfway combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Fold in the chocolate. Add the chopped Tony Chocolonely chocolate and lil’ bits to the dough, mixing just until there are no visible flour clumps remaining.
Chill (optional). For a firmer texture, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps intensify those rich flavors!

Scoop out the dough. Use an ice cream scooper (1 oz sized) to drop cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking pan, spacing them 2-3 inches apart.
Create the crinkle effect. Tap the pan against the stovetop three times about 3-4 minutes before done baking for that signature crinkle!
Bake for 9-12 minutes. You want them set in the center with the edges slightly browned. Let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer your cookies a bit firmer, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for indulging later!

Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, simply reheat the cookies in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

What to Serve with Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies?

Indulging in these freshly baked delights is just the beginning—let’s create a delightful spread that elevates your cookie experience!

Cold Milk: Nothing pairs better than a tall glass of cold milk, balancing the rich flavors of the cookies while enhancing their softness with every dip.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet vanilla notes of ice cream create a heavenly combination against the warm cookies, perfect for a cozy dessert night.
Fresh Berries: A handful of juicy raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing tartness, beautifully contrasting the sweetness of the brownies, making for a delightful summer treat.

Espresso or Coffee: The bold, rich notes of coffee complement the deep flavors of brown butter, turning your dessert into a gourmet experience that coffee lovers crave.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple melted chocolate drizzle over your cookies adds an extra layer of indulgence—who can resist more chocolate?
Nutty Trail Mix: A side dish of trail mix with almonds or walnuts gives a satisfying crunch, bringing together the flavors of butter and cocoa in a truly delightful way.

Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this luscious sauce over your cookies for an irresistible sweet touch, creating a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress anyone you serve.
Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte create a cozy vibe that pairs perfectly with the nutty undertones of the Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies.
Homemade Hot Cocoa: End your meal with this creamy drink, providing a rich chocolate embrace that perfectly complements each cookie, making for a delightful treat on a chilly evening.

Make Ahead Options

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing it and placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their delightful quality, ensure the dough is sealed tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing odors. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking, adding a minute or two to the baking time if the dough is cold. This way, you’ll always have freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies

Perfectly Browned Butter: Aim for a deep golden color and a nutty aroma, avoiding burnt butter for the best flavor in your cookies.
Precision Matters: Use a kitchen scale for your ingredients, especially flour, to prevent overly dry or wet dough that could affect the final texture.

Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the dough tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the ideal chewy texture.
Chill for Best Results: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and improves the cookie’s shape, making your Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies even more delightful.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes; they’re done once set in the center but still soft for the perfect gooey interior.

Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookie Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to your taste and needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for delicious cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Addition: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Lower Sugar: Replace half the brown sugar with applesauce to create a lighter version without sacrificing moisture. Your cookies will still be soft and scrumptious!
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick that brings out the richness of the chocolate.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chunks for a completely dairy-free cookie.

Over-the-Top: Drizzle melted caramel over cooled cookies for an indulgent twist that adds sweetness and a gooey texture that’ll take your treats to the next level.
Chocolate Lovers: Use a mix of dark chocolate and white chocolate chunks to elevate the flavor profile and create a beautiful contrast in each bite.
Candy Mix-Ins: Fold in a handful of your favorite candy (like crushed Oreos or M&M’s) for extra fun and flavor that makes each cookie a delightful surprise!

Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best butter for my cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing butter for your cookies, opt for unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of your dough. Look for butter with a high-fat content that feels firm yet pliable. Freshness is key—pick butter that is close to the sell-by date to ensure you’re using the best quality!

How should I store leftover cookies?
To maintain that delicious chewy texture, store your Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re in a humid climate, consider placing a piece of bread in the container to help absorb moisture and keep the cookies soft.

Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Absolutely! Freezing cookie dough is a convenient option. After mixing, scoop the dough into individual portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months!

To bake, preheat your oven and place the frozen dough directly on the baking sheet; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Very often, cookies don’t crinkle due to the dough being too warm or not sufficiently mixed. Ensure that you’re using chilled dough before baking, and tap the pan against the stovetop three times as recommended. If you follow these steps, that beautiful crinkle effect should come out perfectly!

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
For those with allergies, it’s essential to note that this recipe contains gluten and dairy due to the flour and butter. For a gluten-free alternative, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free options, swap the butter for a plant-based version and use chocolate that is dairy-free. Always check labels to ensure that the ingredients meet your dietary requirements!

Can pets eat chocolate chip cookies?
No, it’s very important to remember that chocolate is toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. Ensure that any leftover cookies are stored safely out of reach from your furry friends, as even small amounts can be harmful to their health.