Name: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 4 large eggs; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Chocolate lovers unite over these irresistible chocolate crinkle cookies that melt in your mouth with rich, decadent flavor.

Dusted with powdered sugar, these delightful treats create a stunning visual contrast against their deep, dark chocolate base.

Each bite promises a delicate crackled exterior that gives way to a soft, fudgy center.

The recipe blends simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Perfectly balanced between elegant and comforting, these cookies work magic for any occasion.

Baking these will transform your kitchen into a haven of sweet, chocolatey bliss.

Prepare to dazzle everyone with this classic crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring smiles.

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling helps solidify the fat in the dough, prevents spreading during baking, and allows flavors to develop more deeply. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll into balls.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?

Absolutely! This recipe uses cocoa powder, which provides intense chocolate flavor and helps create the classic crinkle cookie texture. It’s actually preferable to melted chocolate for this specific cookie style.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for slightly cracked tops and soft edges. The cookies should appear slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven, as they’ll continue to set while cooling. They’ll be soft and fudgy in the center.

What makes the powdered sugar coating crackle?

When the cold dough balls are rolled in powdered sugar and then baked, the sugar creates a beautiful cracked surface as the cookies expand and rise in the oven. This creates the signature “crinkle” look that gives these cookies their name.

Why Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Are a Classic

Chocolate crinkle cookies turn complicated desserts into a breeze for home bakers of all skill levels.
These chocolatey delights guarantee smiles from kids and adults, making them perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
Swap powdered sugar for festive sprinkles or add chocolate chips to personalize your batch, allowing creative bakers to make the recipe uniquely their own.
Prepare cookie dough in advance and chill, giving busy home cooks flexible options for stress-free dessert preparation without compromising delicious results.

What You Need for Crinkle Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie that provides structure and texture.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor and dark color of the cookies.
Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and helps create a soft crumb.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Coating Ingredient:

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

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper for smooth cookie removal and even baking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.

This ensures even distribution of ingredients throughout the cookie dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix:

Cocoa powder
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Cooking oil

Beat in eggs one at a time until the mixture becomes glossy.

Stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.

Step 4: Merge Ingredient Mixtures

Gradually incorporate dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients.

Add in batches to prevent overmixing, which can result in tough cookies.

The dough will feel sticky – this is exactly right.

Step 5: Refrigerate Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cooling firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helps cookies maintain their structure during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Coat Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, form dough into 1¼-inch balls.

Roll each ball completely in powdered sugar.

Arrange on prepared baking sheet with space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake and Cool Cookies

Bake for 10-11 minutes.

Cookies should appear slightly underbaked when removed from the oven.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish setting.

Chill the cookie dough thoroughly to make rolling easier and stop excessive spreading during baking. Cold dough helps maintain the cookies' signature crackled exterior.
Roll cookies generously in powdered sugar just before baking for that classic crinkle look. A light touch ensures an even, beautiful white coating that won't melt completely.
Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet, creating a delightfully fudgy interior.
Swap vegetable oil with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile. For gluten-free versions, use a one-to-one all-purpose gluten-free flour blend to maintain the cookie's rich texture.
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.

Storing and Reheating Crinkle Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before rolling in powdered sugar and baking.
Pack completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a slice of bread inside to help maintain moisture and prevent cookies from becoming dry.

Pairings for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Pair Rich Chocolate with Complementary Flavors: Serve chocolate crinkle cookies alongside a creamy cappuccino, letting the espresso's boldness cut through the cookie's sweetness while enhancing its deep chocolate notes.
Create Dessert Wine Magic: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of ruby port wine, where the wine's rich, fruity undertones beautifully complement the chocolate's intensity and provide a luxurious tasting experience.
Elevate with Cold Contrast: Match the cookies with vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth texture to balance the warm, crumbly cookie and create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
Spark Nutty Connections: Accompany the cookies with roasted almond butter or chopped hazelnuts on the side, introducing a delightful nutty crunch that amplifies the chocolate's richness and adds textural intrigue.

Fun Twists on Classic Crinkle Cookies

Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and select dairy-free dark chocolate to create a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly or health-conscious bakers.
Keto-Friendly Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate cocoa powder, and add sugar-free powdered sweetener for a low-carb alternative that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

Indulge in Sweet Magic: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

FAQs

Why Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Are a Classic

What You Need for Crinkle Cookies