Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These delightfully fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies feature a rich, brownie-like interior with a distinctive crackled powdered sugar exterior. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, afternoon treats, or satisfying chocolate cravings any time of year.

Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

There’s something utterly magical about Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. These beloved treats have graced holiday cookie platters for generations, delighting chocolate lovers with their distinctive crackled appearance and fudgy interior. What makes this classic recipe truly special is the perfect contrast between the soft, brownie-like center and the sweet powdered sugar coating that creates those iconic cracks as they bake.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have been a Christmas tradition since the mid-20th century, but their appeal knows no season. While they frequently appear during winter holidays, these cookies are equally welcome at summer picnics, fall gatherings, or as an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or milk.

THIS RECIPE:

• Creates perfectly crackled chocolate cookies with minimal effort
• Requires simple pantry ingredients most bakers already have on hand
• Can be prepared ahead and frozen for later baking
• Yields consistently delicious results even for novice bakers

Recipe Details	Information
Prep Time	20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Cook Time	10-12 minutes
Total Time	3 hours
Servings	24 cookies
Yield	2 dozen cookies

What makes this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe particularly appealing is its accessibility. You don’t need fancy equipment or specialized ingredients to achieve bakery-quality results. The dough comes together quickly, and while it does require chilling time, the actual hands-on preparation is straightforward. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and simple execution—ideal for both beginning bakers and experienced cookie connoisseurs.

Ingredients for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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The magic of homemade Chocolate Crinkle Cookies starts with quality ingredients. While this recipe is forgiving, using fresh, high-quality components—especially the cocoa powder and chocolate—will elevate your cookies from good to unforgettable. The intense chocolate flavor is the star of these cookies, so this is one place where splurging on premium cocoa makes a noticeable difference.

Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed

Coating:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)

Ingredient Category	Recommended Quantity	Quality Tips
Cocoa Powder	½ cup (50g)	Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper color and smoother flavor
Chocolate	4 oz (115g)	Choose 60-70% cacao content for balanced flavor; avoid chocolate chips which contain stabilizers
Eggs	2 large	Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon	Pure vanilla extract provides better flavor than imitation
Oil	¼ cup (60ml)	A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best
Powdered Sugar	½ cup (60g)	Sift before using to avoid lumps in the coating

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Creating the perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies involves a simple process that yields impressive results. The key is allowing sufficient chilling time for the dough—this step is non-negotiable as it develops flavor and ensures the proper texture. The transformation from sticky chocolate dough to crackled cookie masterpieces is both satisfying and relatively straightforward.

Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Sift the cocoa powder if it appears lumpy to ensure even distribution in the dough.

Step 2: Create the chocolate base

1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil and both sugars until combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine and chill

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. The dough will be very sticky and more like a thick brownie batter at this point—this is normal!
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the dough.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Step 4: Shape and coat

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place powdered sugar in a small, shallow bowl.
3. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
4. Roll each dough ball between your hands to smooth, then roll generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
5. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft.
2. The cookies should have cracked surfaces with the dark chocolate showing through the white sugar coating.
3. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Expert Ingredient Selection:

• For the deepest chocolate flavor, use a combination of Dutch-processed cocoa and quality melted chocolate
• Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that enhances the chocolate
• Room temperature eggs create a better emulsion with the fats for perfect texture

Quick Reference Tips:

• Don’t skip the chilling time—it’s essential for proper texture and shape
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes which ensures even baking
• Apply a very generous coating of powdered sugar for the most dramatic crackle effect
• Slightly underbake for the fudgiest centers—they should look slightly soft in the middle

Technique	Recommendation	Why It Works
Dough Chilling	Minimum 2 hours, ideally overnight	Allows flour to hydrate, flavors to develop, and makes sticky dough manageable
Powdered Sugar Coating	Double-roll cookies in sugar	First layer absorbs moisture, second creates the visual contrast
Cookie Size	1-inch dough balls	The optimal size for creating crackling while maintaining a fudgy center
Baking Surface	Light-colored baking sheets	Prevents bottoms from over-browning before centers are set

Pro tip: If your hands get sticky while rolling the dough balls, lightly dust your palms with powdered sugar or spray them with a tiny bit of cooking spray. This makes handling the rich chocolate dough much easier.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Homemade Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are perfect candidates for make-ahead preparation, making them ideal for busy holiday seasons or when you want freshly baked cookies without starting from scratch.

The cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent the dough from drying out. This extended chilling actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

For longer storage, the unbaked dough can be frozen in two ways:

1. 
   

   Freeze the bulk dough: Wrap the entire dough portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.

   
   
2. 
   

   Freeze individual dough balls: Shape the dough into balls but don’t roll in powdered sugar yet. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, roll in powdered sugar, and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

   
   

When you’re ready to bake from make-ahead dough, allow it to warm slightly at room temperature (about 15 minutes) if the dough is too firm to scoop, then proceed with the rolling and coating steps in the original recipe.

Storing Leftovers

Properly storing your freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies ensures they maintain their delightful texture and flavor for as long as possible. These cookies actually improve slightly after a day as the flavors continue to develop.

For optimal freshness, store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Place layers of cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together and to protect the powdered sugar coating. When stored properly, they’ll remain fresh for up to 5 days, though they’re typically at their best within the first 3 days.

If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, the powdered sugar may begin to absorb moisture and lose its bright white appearance. To refresh cookies before serving, you can lightly dust them with additional powdered sugar using a small sieve or sifter.

For longer storage needs, consider freezing the baked cookies rather than keeping them at room temperature beyond 5 days. Avoid refrigerating the baked cookies, as this can dry them out and alter their fudgy texture.

Freezing Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for advance holiday baking or preserving a batch for future chocolate cravings. The key to successful freezing is proper wrapping to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss.

To freeze baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies:

1. Allow cookies to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
3. Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, placing parchment paper between layers.
4. Label with the date and contents, then seal tightly, removing as much air as possible.
5. Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them using one of these methods:

• Allow cookies to thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours while still in their sealed container (this prevents condensation from forming directly on the cookies)
• For a fresh-baked taste, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes

Pro tip: The powdered sugar coating may absorb some moisture during freezing and thawing. To restore their classic appearance, lightly dust thawed cookies with fresh powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are versatile treats that can be presented in numerous delightful ways. These fudgy favorites stand beautifully on their own but can be elevated with thoughtful presentation and pairings.

For an elegant dessert platter, arrange Chocolate Crinkle Cookies alongside complementary cookies like vanilla shortbread, ginger snaps, or raspberry thumbprints. The visual contrast between the dark chocolate cookies with their white sugar coating and other cookie varieties creates an attractive display.

Enhance your cookies with these optional accompaniments:

• A light dusting of additional powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh appearance
• A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream sandwiched between two cookies for a decadent dessert
• A drizzle of caramel sauce or melted white chocolate for special occasions
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side to cut through the richness

Beverage pairings can transform these cookies from a simple treat to a memorable dessert experience:

• Coffee: The bitterness of a dark roast coffee perfectly balances the cookies’ sweetness
• Milk: The classic pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor while cooling the palate
• Red wine: A fruity Zinfandel or Port complements the deep chocolate notes
• Hot chocolate: For the ultimate chocolate experience, especially during winter months

Serve these cookies at room temperature for the optimal fudgy texture and most pronounced flavor. If you’ve stored them in the freezer, allow them to completely return to room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies without chilling the dough?
No, chilling the dough is essential for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. The chilling process firms up the dough, allowing it to be rolled into balls without sticking to your hands. More importantly, chilled dough spreads less during baking, which helps create the signature cracked appearance. If you skip the chilling step, you’ll likely end up with flat cookies that don’t develop the classic crinkle pattern.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe?
Yes, several substitutions work well:

• Butter can replace oil (use melted, cooled butter in equal amounts) for a richer flavor
• Gluten-free flour blends designed for baking can substitute for all-purpose flour (use a 1:1 ratio)
• Dutch-processed and natural cocoa powder can be used interchangeably in this recipe
• For a deeper flavor, you can substitute some of the granulated sugar with additional brown sugar

Why didn’t my cookies crackle properly?
Several factors affect the characteristic crackle pattern:

1. The dough wasn’t chilled enough
2. The powdered sugar coating wasn’t thick enough (always double-coat)
3. Oven temperature was too low (use an oven thermometer to verify)
4. The dough was too wet or too dry (measure ingredients precisely)

For the most dramatic crackles, make sure your dough is thoroughly chilled, generously coat the cookie balls in powdered sugar, and bake at the correct temperature.

How do I know when my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are perfectly baked?
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly soft—typically after 10-12 minutes at 350°F. The cookies will have visible cracks with the dark chocolate showing through the powdered sugar coating. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, which is perfect for achieving the prized fudgy texture. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will result in drier, cakier cookies rather than the desired brownie-like interior.

Can I add mix-ins to this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe?
Absolutely! Chocolate Crinkle Cookies make a perfect base for creative additions. Try:

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate intensity
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract for holiday-themed cookies
• ¼ cup finely chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts
• A Hershey’s Kiss or peanut butter cup pressed into the center immediately after baking

Just be mindful that significant additions may affect the moisture content and baking time, so you might need to adjust accordingly.