Few treats compare to the pure, nostalgic comfort of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. With their deep chocolate flavor, crisp powdered sugar finish, and soft, fudgy center, these cookies are a perennial favorite for good reason. Every bite delivers a beautiful contrast of textures, and their crackled appearance is just as striking as their taste. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray, a casual weeknight dessert, or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies never fail to delight and impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with classic pantry staples, yet each ingredient has a special role in creating the signature taste, texture, and striking crackle of these cookies. A handful of simple components combine for crave-worthy results you’ll want to make again and again.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for a rich, intense chocolate foundation—Dutch process or natural both work wonderfully.
- Granulated sugar: This not only sweetens the dough but helps give the cookies a lovely crisp edge.
- Vegetable oil: Creates an incredibly moist and tender crumb, plus keeps the cookies dairy-free.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and that luscious, fudgy interior.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the chocolate flavor—real vanilla makes a noticeable difference.
- All-purpose flour: The binding agent that brings all the ingredients together into a soft, pliable dough.
- Baking powder: The key leavening agent for a gentle rise and those beautiful, crackly tops.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, making the chocolate really pop.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Turns every cookie into a snow-dusted gem, while also contributing to the iconic crinkle pattern.
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Whisk and Blend the Chocolate Base
Begin by combining the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until you have a thick, glossy, and thoroughly blended mixture. This step lays down the ultra-chocolatey flavor foundation that’s at the heart of every great Chocolate Crinkle Cookie.
Step 2: Beat in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the dough remains smooth and emulsified. Once the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract. This step gives the cookies an extra touch of richness and warmth, ensuring every bite sings with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt so they’re evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet, stirring gently until a soft, chocolatey dough forms—stop mixing as soon as everything comes together to keep your cookies tender.
Step 4: Chill for the Perfect Crinkle
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is more than just a pause—it’s the secret to getting that gorgeous crinkle effect and ensuring your dough is firm enough to roll. The chill time also deepens the flavors and makes the cookies easier to handle.
Step 5: Shape, Coat, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough, roll them into balls, then generously coat each in powdered sugar. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until they’ve spread, developed their iconic cracks, and the tops look set but still a little soft. Let them cool a few minutes on the tray before transferring to a rack.
How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Garnishes
For an added touch of flair, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on warm cookies right after baking. This accentuates the chocolatey richness and offers a sophisticated edge that makes Chocolate Crinkle Cookies truly memorable. Or dust with a little more powdered sugar before serving for that irresistible, snow-dusted finish.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies shine with a cold glass of milk or served alongside fresh berries, which cut through the richness beautifully. They’re fantastic with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream, or even paired with espresso or hot cocoa for cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer these cookies in a clear glass jar for a charming gift, or arrange them on a platter with contrasting treats like pecan sandies or lemon bars for bold holiday color. You can even make mini Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for bite-sized party nibbles—just adjust the baking time slightly for smaller portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for lunchbox treats or late-night snacks all week long.
Freezing
Both the unbaked dough balls and fully baked cookies freeze beautifully. For best results, scoop and shape the dough, then freeze on a tray before transferring to bags—dust with powdered sugar just before baking. Baked cookies can go straight into freezer bags; just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are fantastic at room temp, but if you love them gooey, gently warm one or two in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. The chocolate flavor becomes even more aromatic when slightly warmed and the interior turns beautifully soft again.
FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
Chilling the dough is crucial for two reasons: it firms up the dough so you can roll neat balls (preventing excess spreading), and it helps create that classic crinkle effect as the cold dough expands and splits in the oven.
Can I use butter instead of oil in this recipe?
Yes, melted butter can be substituted for the vegetable oil if you prefer a slightly richer flavor, though the cookies may turn out a bit less moist and a tad more cake-like.
How do I get the best powdered sugar coating?
Roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar so every surface is fully covered. Don’t skimp! A thick coating not only looks beautiful but also ensures distinctive, dramatic cracks as the cookies bake.
My cookies didn’t crack—what happened?
If your cookies didn’t develop cracks, the dough may have been too warm or overmixed, or the baking powder wasn’t fresh enough. Chilling the dough properly and not skipping the leavening agent are both key for perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to chill the larger batch thoroughly so the dough remains easy to handle, and consider dividing the dough into two bowls to help it chill faster and shape more easily.
Final Thoughts
There’s something simply magical about pulling a tray of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies from the oven—the rich aroma, the glittering sugar, the irresistible cracks. These are the kind of cookies that win hearts at bake sales, holiday parties, or any time you need a little extra joy. Bake a batch soon and experience why these cookies are a cherished favorite year after year!
Print
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolaty goodness of these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. With a crackled powdered sugar coating and a soft, fudgy interior, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, beat well, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat oven. Roll dough into balls, coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place on baking sheet, bake until crackled.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key for the crinkle effect.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
