Wrinkly Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Wrinkly Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it turns out cookies that are unlike any other—soft, gooey centers wrapped in wrinkly, crackly edges that just scream homemade comfort. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the unique “bang the pan” trick transforms regular cookie dough into these wonderfully textured treats that my family can’t get enough of.

You’ll find that these cookies work perfectly when you want an easy but impressive bake, whether it’s for an afternoon snack, a casual get-together, or just because you deserve a little sweet decadence. The balance of bittersweet chocolate chunks and that subtle flaky salt sprinkle really takes these cookies to the next level, making every bite an absolute delight.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in achieving that perfectly wrinkled texture and deep chocolate flavor. Using real butter and high-quality bittersweet chocolate really makes a difference.

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy creaming and best cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds crispness and sweetness.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients and helps with softness.
• Water: Adds moisture to the dough for chewy centers.
• Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor.
• Baking soda: Helps cookies spread and develop texture.
• All-purpose flour: The base for your cookie dough structure.
• Bittersweet chocolate: Chopped into various sizes for texture variety in chewy bites.
• Flaky salt (optional): Sprinkled on top to contrast the sweetness and emphasize chocolate flavors.

Variations

I love tweaking this Wrinkly Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion or my mood. Feel free to experiment a bit—it’s all about making the cookie your own!

• Nutty upgrade: I sometimes add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to add an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft centers.
• Vegan twist: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and egg replacer to share these wonders with dairy-free friends (although the texture changes slightly).
• Spiced version: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor and add warmth during colder months.
• Chocolate swap: Swap bittersweet chocolate with milk chocolate or a mix of white chocolate chunks for different flavor dimensions.

How to Make Wrinkly Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

First, adjust your oven rack to the middle position to ensure even baking. Line two sheet pans with aluminum foil (dull side up), parchment paper, or silicone mats—whatever you have on hand works perfectly. This setup makes your cookie cleanup so easy and guarantees your cookies won’t stick or burn on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat your room-temperature butter on medium speed until creamy—this usually takes about a minute or two. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add both sugars and kosher salt. Beat again on medium until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming step is key for that tender crumb and helps your cookies spread just right.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, the tablespoon of water, and the vanilla extract on low speed to combine everything without overmixing. Then add the baking soda and mix just until combined. Anything more can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Chocolate

Add the flour last and mix on low speed until the dough is almost fully combined—you want to avoid overworking the gluten. Then fold in your chopped bittersweet chocolate chunks and shards so you get different textures with each bite. At this stage, you can refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight, which some cookie buffs swear makes the flavor even better.

Step 5: Shape and Freeze Your Cookie Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop out dough into roughly 100-gram balls—about a heaping 1/3 cup size works well. Place them on a plate and sprinkle each ball generously with flaky salt if you want that salty-sweet finish. Pop the plate in the freezer for 15 minutes; this step helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that iconic wrinkly surface.

Step 6: Bake and Bang Your Pans

Arrange 4 cookie balls evenly spaced on your prepared sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes. The cookies should look puffed in the center. Here’s the secret: lift the sheet pan and bang it firmly down against the oven rack—this deflates the centers and sets the edges, creating those wonderful wrinkles. Wait 3 minutes for the cookies to puff back up, then bang again. Repeat this lift-and-bang motion 1-2 more times during baking. Finish baking for a total of 16-18 minutes until the cookies spread wide, edges turn golden brown, and centers stay gooey.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the sheet pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the gooey center set slightly without losing its softness. Then, bake the remaining dough balls the same way and get ready to enjoy fresh batches of that wrinkly, chocolatey magic.

How to Serve Wrinkly Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish off these cookies with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before baking—it really amps up the chocolate’s richness and creates that perfect balance of sweet and salty. Sometimes, I add a little dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation during the holidays.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a frothy cappuccino. If you’re making them for brunch, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these wrinkly beauties on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment, scattering a few chocolate shards and nuts around for a cozy, inviting look. Wrapping stacks in parchment and tying with baker’s twine makes charming edible gifts your friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, adding a slice of bread inside to help keep them soft and moist. It really works to prevent them from drying out too quickly.

Freezing

If I want to make these in advance, I scoop and freeze the raw dough balls individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and they come out just as amazing as fresh ones.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This revives that soft, gooey texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Wrinkly Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has quickly become my go-to for impressing guests or treating my family with something special but simple to make. I love how the texture and flavor come together in such a unique way, and you’ll enjoy sharing these just as much as I do. Grab your mixing bowl, get ready to bang those pans, and trust me—you’re about to make some unforgettable cookies.

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