Fudgy Winter Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Decadent chocolate crinkle cookies bring pure bliss to any dessert table.

These powdery white-dusted treats melt soft chocolate magic right into each delightful bite.

Crackly edges and tender centers create a stunning contrast that delights the senses.

The classic recipe combines rich cocoa with a delicate sugar coating that sparkles like freshly fallen snow.

Deeply chocolatey and wonderfully soft, these cookies deliver pure comfort in every single crumb.

Dark chocolate lovers will adore the intense flavor profile that makes these cookies truly irresistible.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear faster than you can sprinkle the final sugar dust.

Why Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Stand Out

• Prepare a batch of irresistible cookies that'll win over both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Experience the ultimate cookie satisfaction with a delightful chewy interior and a crackly powdered sugar exterior that creates a mouthwatering contrast in every single bite.
• Follow simple mixing instructions that guarantee success, with clear steps preventing common baking mishaps and ensuring consistently delicious results every single time.

What Goes Into Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Cocoa Powder: A rich, dark powder that provides deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the cookies' dark color.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic texture.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the characteristic crinkle texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies' chewy texture.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds a sweet, delicate exterior to the cookies.

How to Bake Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly mixed.

This creates a smooth base that ensures your cookies will have a consistent texture and rise evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until they become creamy and light.

Work the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it looks fluffy and well combined.

Next, add eggs one at a time, gently mixing after each addition to create a silky-smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix on low speed, being careful not to overmix.

Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are just incorporated.

Overmixing can make your cookies tough and dense.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Chilled dough
• Powdered sugar for rolling
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack

Step 6: Shape and Roll Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls.

Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring a complete and thick white coating.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets.

Bake until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.

The cookies will develop beautiful crackled tops and a powdery white exterior.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cookies will develop a delightful chewy texture as they cool.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Crinkle Texture

• Use exact measurements for cocoa powder, flour, and other dry ingredients to maintain the perfect cookie texture and prevent dry or dense results.
• Beat butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy, creating air pockets that help cookies become soft and chewy.
• Mix dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to prevent developing too much gluten, which can make cookies tough and dense.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 2 hours to help prevent spreading and create a more concentrated, rich chocolate flavor.
• Coat cookie dough balls completely in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look and sweet, delicate exterior.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Crinkle Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check carefully to prevent overcooking, which can dry out the delicate crinkle texture.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Spread cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes, restoring their soft, chewy consistency and slightly crisp edges.

Pairing Ideas for Crinkle Cookies

• Pair Decadent Cocoa Delights with Rich Beverages
• Sip Velvety Hot Chocolate: Complement the intense chocolate flavor of the crinkle cookies with a luxurious, creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or whipped cream.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to balance the sweet, chewy chocolate cookies with its deep, complex notes.
• Enjoy with Creamy Espresso Martini: Create a sophisticated dessert experience by pairing the cookies with a smooth espresso martini that echoes the rich chocolate undertones.
• Blend with Cold Milk Surprise: Dunk these crinkle cookies into a cold glass of whole milk for a classic, comforting combination that highlights the cookies' chocolatey richness.

New Takes on Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use egg replacer or mashed banana to create a plant-based version of these classic cookies.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Substitute some sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's rich chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Use plant-based butter alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter to make these cookies friendly for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

• Why do my chocolate crinkle cookies look flat?

Flat cookies often result from butter that’s too warm or not chilling the dough before baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading.

• How do I get those perfect crinkle tops?

Roll the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar before baking. This creates the signature crackled, snow-dusted appearance. Make sure to generously coat each dough ball for the best crinkle effect.

• Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Dutch-processed cocoa works best for these cookies as it provides a smoother, richer chocolate flavor. Natural cocoa might make the cookies slightly more bitter and affect the texture. If you only have natural cocoa, consider adding a pinch of baking soda to balance the acidity.

• Why are my cookies hard instead of chewy?

Overmixing the dough or overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Mix ingredients just until combined and remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Chewy chocolate crinkle cookies deliver pure winter wonderland magic with powdered sugar-dusted chocolate perfection. Rich cocoa and delicate crackled edges invite you to savor each delightful, melt-in-your-mouth bite of sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 4 large eggs

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution for uniform cookie texture.
2. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing briefly after each addition to maintain a smooth, cohesive batter.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed, stirring just until combined to prevent tough cookie texture.
5. Refrigerate dough for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld and facilitate easier shaping.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll chilled dough into small spheres, then generously coat each ball in powdered sugar for signature crinkle appearance.
8. Arrange cookie balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow proper spreading during baking.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft, creating a chewy interior.
10. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
11. Allow cookies to cool completely, during which the powdered sugar coating will develop distinctive crackled surface.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and enhance rich chocolate flavor during baking.
• Roll cookie balls in powdered sugar generously before baking to create signature crackled exterior and prevent sticking.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper, more intense chocolate taste that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter to make recipe suitable for plant-based diets without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg