My love affair with brownie crisps began unexpectedly in 2015, during a layover in an airport lounge en route to Mongolia. A bowl of these delicate, chocolatey shards was within arm’s reach, and I found myself snacking on them non-stop. The unique combination of intense brownie flavor and an exquisitely crisp texture left an unforgettable impression. I was determined to recreate that magic at home.

After numerous attempts and careful experimentation, I finally perfected the recipe. I’ve managed to strike that elusive balance: the deep, fudgy essence of a classic brownie transformed into a light, crunchy crisp. This recipe is the culmination of countless test rounds, designed to bring that same irresistible experience right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Brownie Crisp Recipe

• Effortless Ingredients: You’ll only need ten common ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry. No specialty store runs required!
• Remarkably Simple Process: This recipe eliminates the need for any stand mixers or elaborate kitchen gadgets. Just whisk your ingredients, spread the batter onto a baking sheet, and let your oven do the heavy lifting. It’s truly a “dump and stir” kind of delight!
• Unforgettable Bold Chocolate Flavor: Thanks to a clever secret ingredient, these aren’t just crispy; they’re the richest, most deeply chocolatey brownie crisps you’ll ever taste. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

I’ve taken care of all the trial and error, so you can skip straight to baking success. Below, I’ll share all my best tips and tricks to ensure your brownie crisps are perfectly thin and crisp every single time. And if you’re a fan of crunchy desserts, you might also enjoy whipping up a batch of thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies. Because, let’s be honest, can you ever have too much chocolate in your life?

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Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Brownie Crisps

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving that signature thin, crisp texture and rich flavor. Understanding their purpose will help you master these delightful treats.

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of our brownie crisps. While I haven’t specifically tested with other types of flour, a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend would likely be a suitable substitute for those with dietary restrictions.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The source of our deep chocolate flavor. I’ve experimented with both natural cocoa and Dutch-processed cocoa and found that either works wonderfully, yielding equally delicious results. Feel free to use whichever you have in your pantry.
• Cornstarch: This might seem like an unusual addition, as cornstarch typically adds tenderness to baked goods. However, in this specific recipe, it works differently. Cornstarch helps to dry out the brownie batter, which is essential for achieving that ultra-crisp and crunchy texture we’re aiming for. It’s a key player in the “crisp” factor!
• Instant Espresso Powder: This is my “secret ingredient” for boosting chocolate flavor. While technically optional, I highly recommend including it. Espresso powder doesn’t make your crisps taste like coffee; instead, it deeply enhances and intensifies the chocolate notes, making them taste richer and more decadent. If you’re concerned about caffeine, decaffeinated espresso powder works just as effectively. For a subtle boost, use ½ teaspoon; for a more pronounced flavor enhancement, go for a full teaspoon – a choice I often make!
• Egg Whites: Using only egg whites, rather than whole eggs, is deliberate. The lower fat content and unique protein structure of egg whites contribute significantly to the thin, airy, and ultimately crispy texture of these brownie crisps.
• Granulated Sugar: Beyond merely sweetening the crisps, granulated sugar is critical for their crispness. Its crystalline structure helps create that desired crunchy snap, differentiating these from traditional chewy brownies. Using granulated sugar over other types of sugar is intentional for this textural goal.
• Coarse Kosher Salt & Baking Soda: These essential baking staples balance the sweetness and help achieve the perfect texture and lift without making the crisps cakey.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: Introduced at a specific stage, the small amount of melted butter adds richness and helps with the spreadability of the batter, ensuring it forms a thin, even layer.

How to Make Brownie Crisps from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful brownie crisps is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crunchy results.

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this is crucial for easy removal and crispness.

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, instant espresso powder (if using), coarse kosher salt, and baking soda. Ensure no lumps remain, then set this bowl aside.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg whites, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract vigorously until the mixture becomes light and foamy. This aeration helps create a delicate texture.
3. Integrate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl of wet ingredients. Mix gently with your whisk until the batter is just smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Fold in Butter: Gently stir in the melted unsalted butter until it’s fully incorporated into the batter. The batter should be smooth and pourable.

5. Spread the Batter: Pour the entire batter onto the center of your prepared baking sheet. Using an offset spatula, or the back of a spoon, spread the batter evenly across the parchment paper into the thinnest possible layer. The thinner you spread it, the crispier your brownie crisps will be! Aim for almost transparent in some areas.

6. Bake: Bake the batter in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the entire slab of brownie crisp is set, firm, and appears dry to the touch. It should be deeply colored and smell wonderfully chocolatey.
7. Cool Completely: Carefully transfer the baking sheet onto a wire rack to allow the large brownie crisp slab to cool down completely. This cooling process is crucial for the crisps to firm up and develop their signature crunch. Do not attempt to remove it from the parchment paper until it is fully cool.

8. Break or Cut: Once the brownie crisp has cooled completely and become firm, you can easily break it into irregular, rustic pieces. For more uniform or fun shapes, slice the crisp with a sharp knife or use cookie cutters immediately after taking it out of the oven, while it’s still warm and slightly pliable. If you wait until it’s cool, it will be too brittle to cut cleanly.

Essential Tips for Brownie Crisp Success

Achieving perfectly crisp and flavorful brownie crisps every time requires a few key techniques. Keep these expert tips in mind for stellar results:

• Avoid Extra Fat in the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for a truly crisp texture. Aside from the melted butter specified in the recipe, be extremely careful not to introduce any additional fat into the batter. Fat can make baked goods softer and chewier, which is the opposite of what we want here.
• Always Use Parchment Paper: After extensive testing with both parchment paper and silicone baking mats, my definitive recommendation is parchment paper. I found that silicone mats tend to retain more moisture, often requiring longer baking times or even a second bake to achieve the desired crispness. Parchment paper allows for better moisture evaporation, leading to superior crisping.
• Spread the Batter as Thinly and Evenly as Possible: The thickness of your batter layer directly impacts the final crispness. Use an offset spatula (or even the back of a large spoon) to spread the batter into an incredibly thin, uniform layer across the parchment paper. Aim for near transparency in some areas. The thinner the spread, the crunchier your brownie crisps will be!
• Cool Completely Before Serving: Patience is a virtue when it comes to brownie crisps. They emerge from the oven still somewhat pliable, but they firm up and develop their characteristic crunch as they cool. If you try to serve them while they’re still warm, they will be softer, more akin to traditional chewy brownies like my almond brownies. For maximum crispness, let them cool entirely on a wire rack.

Storing Your Homemade Brownie Crisps

Once your delicious brownie crisps have cooled completely and achieved their perfect crunch, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable bag. Stored at room temperature, these crisps will maintain their freshness and satisfying crunch for up to 5 days. Though, if you’re anything like me, they might not last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brownie Crisps

More Decadent Brownie Dessert Recipes to Try

If you loved these brownie crisps, you’re sure to enjoy these other rich and fudgy brownie creations:

• Irresistible Snickers Brownies
• Classic German Chocolate Brownies
• Fudgy Raspberry Brownies with a Twist
• Extra Fudgy KitKat Brownies for Chocolate Lovers