Crinkle Top Brownies Recipe

These butter crinkle top brownies recipe is rich, and full of deep chocolate flavour, the kind that makes your whole kitchen smell incredible. The browned butter gives them a warm nutty aroma that takes the classic brownie to a completely new level.

Why you will love this recipe?

If you love brownies that are gooey, and impossibly fudgy, then this recipe is for you. The moment you slice into them, you get that perfect shiny crinkle top that softly flakes away, and underneath is the deepest, most melt in your mouth fudgy centre. Every bite feels warm, chocolatey, and completely irresistible.

Expert Tips for Best results!

• Brown the butter properly – Take your time browning the butter until it turns a golden amber and smells nutty. This adds a deep, caramel-like flavour that makes the brownies richer and more complex than just using regular melted butter.
• Whip the eggs and sugar well – Beat the eggs with brown and caster sugar until pale and slightly thick. This aerates the batter enough to give you a shiny, crinkle top while keeping the inside fudgy and dense.
• Fold the dry ingredients gently – Sift the flour, corn starch, and salt before folding them in. Fold slowly and just until combined to avoid overdeveloping gluten, which keeps the brownies soft and dense rather than cakey.
• Experiment with flavours – Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate, or a little sea salt on top for contrast. Small tweaks can elevate the brownies without changing the core texture.

How to make Crinkle Top Brownies Recipe?

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, immediately transfer it to a heat-safe mixing bowl and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

To the warm brown butter, add the oil, cocoa powder, and chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool a bit.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, add the eggs, brown sugar, and caster sugar. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk if you’re doing it by hand), beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes lighter in colour and slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Whisk everything together until fully combined.

Step 5: Sift and Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour, corn starch, and salt into the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture.

Step 6: Add Extra Chocolate (Optional)

If you’re using extra chocolate chunks, fold them into the batter for extra gooey pockets of melted chocolate.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it evenly.

Step 8: Bake the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 173°C (350°F). Bake the brownies for 22-24 minutes, checking around 18-19 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled slightly, cut them into squares and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all brown sugar instead of caster sugar?
You can, but using a combination of brown and caster sugar helps create that shiny, crinkly top while keeping the inside fudgy. All brown sugar might make the brownies a little denser.

How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should look set while the centre remains soft. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. Slightly underbaked brownies give the best gooey texture.

How should I store these brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge if you prefer them firmer. They also taste amazing slightly warmed before serving.

Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months and thawed at room temperature or warmed slightly before serving.

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