Discover how to make deliciously fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies with our simple, step-by-step recipe. Perfect for any occasion!
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style.
With their rich chocolate flavor, fudgy texture, and striking appearance, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household, and they're probably already a holiday favorite.
They're also super simple to make and the kids love helping!
We always have them as part of our Christmas cookie swap, that's for sure. But we also love making them at any time of year too. They're just so tasty and easy!
If you love cookies, be sure to also try Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, or Lorna Doone Cookies (Copycat)!
Jump to:
What are Crinkle Cookies?
Crinkle cookies are a type of cookie known for their unique crackly appearance and delightful texture.
These cookies get their name from the crackled, crinkled surface that forms during baking.
They are rolled in powdered confectioner's sugar before baking, which creates a beautiful contrast as the dough expands and cracks, revealing the rich, chocolatey interior.
Crinkle cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round, but they are especially popular during the holiday season. They make great additions to cookie exchanges, holiday dessert tables, and festive gatherings.
Their unique appearance and delicious taste also make them an excellent choice for holiday gifting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and no complicated techniques, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Deliciously Fudgy: The combination of cocoa powder and sugar creates a wonderfully rich and fudgy texture.
- Beautiful Appearance: The crackled tops dusted with powdered sugar make these cookies a visual delight.
- Versatile: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe with variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the cookies their rich, chocolatey flavor. Ensure it’s unsweetened for the best taste.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve their crackled appearance.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated White Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create the fudgy texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist. You can substitute with melted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Powdered Confectioner's Sugar: Coats the cookies, giving them their signature look and a touch of sweetness.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and roll into balls.
Once chilled, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are crackled and set. The cookies will still be soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake.
Allow the chocolate crinkle cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty twist.
- Spicy Chocolate Crinkles: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle, spicy kick.
- Nutty Crinkles: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Double Chocolate Crinkles: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks for an extra dose of chocolate.
Storage
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Make Ahead Information
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is especially useful during the busy holiday season when you're making lots of Christmas Cookies. Just ensure the dough is well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
More Cookie Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough. It helps in handling the dough and achieving the signature crinkle effect.
- Coat Generously: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar. This will ensure the cookies have a beautiful crackled appearance.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. The cookies should be set but still soft in the center to maintain their fudgy texture.
Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Equipment
- Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered confectioner's sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined and slightly fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and roll into balls.
- Once chilled, scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until completely coated. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are crackled and set. The cookies will still be soft in the center. Be careful not to overbake.
- Allow the chocolate crinkle cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough. It helps in handling the dough and achieving the signature crinkle effect.
- Coat Generously: Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar. This will ensure the cookies have a beautiful crackled appearance.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. The cookies should be set but still soft in the center to maintain their fudgy texture.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Angela
I love crinkle cookies and these are perfect for our holiday boxes. Great recipe - thanks!
DK
Wow - what a great chocolate cookie recipe! I was craving something chocolatey and this one just hit the spot!