Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a beloved treat known for their rich, fudgy centers and signature crackled tops.
These cookies start with a thick, chocolate-rich dough that’s rolled generously in powdered sugar before baking. As they bake, the dough spreads and the surface cracks, revealing the deep chocolate beneath the snowy coating—a beautiful contrast that makes them instantly recognizable.
Their flavor is reminiscent of a brownie, with a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, chewy, and intensely chocolatey interior.
They are perfect for the holiday season, but their simple elegance and crowd-pleasing taste make them a year-round favorite. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the perfect blend of fudgy brownie-like centers and crisp, powdered sugar-coated exteriors. With their striking crinkle pattern and rich chocolate flavor, they’re a must-bake for holiday trays, cookie exchanges, or anytime you crave a chocolaty treat with a twist.
They’re easy to make, kid-approved, and freeze beautifully—plus, they look way more impressive than the effort it takes to make them!
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Description
Soft, chewy, and rich chocolate cookies rolled in powdered sugar before baking to create a beautiful crackled finish. A crowd-favorite holiday classic that’s simple yet stunning.
Their eye-catching appearance makes them an attractive addition to dessert platters, bake sales, and cookie swaps.
With a balance of sweetness and cocoa richness, these cookies satisfy both kids and adults alike. Best of all, they’re relatively easy to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.
Whether you bake them for festive celebrations, cozy gatherings, or just as a comforting treat for yourself, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies never fail to impress both in taste and presentation.
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
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Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, and oil. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet until combined.
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Chill the Dough:
Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and creates better crinkles when baked.
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Roll & Coat:
Scoop dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
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Bake:
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from oven.
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Cool & Serve:
Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 28
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Sodium 50mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks:
- Don’t skip the chill: Cold dough = better crinkles and no spreading.
- Double roll in powdered sugar: For maximum contrast and that signature look.
- Add espresso powder: A teaspoon enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Make it ahead: Dough can be chilled for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Gift it up: Package these beauties in festive boxes for edible holiday gifts.
Variation and Storage
Variation Ideas:
- Mint Chocolate Crinkles – Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and roll the cookies in crushed peppermint candy mixed with powdered sugar for a festive twist.
- Espresso Crinkles – Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee note.
- Nutty Delight – Fold in finely chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts into the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Orange Infused – Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, citrusy aroma that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Spiced Cocoa – Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cayenne for a warm, spiced kick that elevates the flavor profile.
Storage:
Once baked, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies should be cooled completely before storage to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To help retain their soft interior, place a small piece of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them fresh.
If you want to store them for longer, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
The unbaked dough can also be stored. Scoop dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and freeze unbaked on a tray.
Transfer to a freezer bag once firm, and bake straight from frozen—adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. This way, you can have fresh, warm Chocolate Crinkle Cookies anytime you crave them.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate flavor and a delightful, powdered sugar-coated exterior that cracks open to reveal their soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
These cookies have earned their place as a holiday classic, but their irresistible combination of sweetness and chewiness makes them a great treat year-round.
With each bite, you get a satisfying blend of deep cocoa flavor, a subtle sweetness, and the perfect contrast between the crispy surface and the soft, gooey interior.
What sets Chocolate Crinkle Cookies apart is their visual appeal. The cracked, snow-like sugar coating creates a festive, elegant look that instantly catches the eye, making them perfect for gifting or holiday cookie trays.
Despite their sophisticated appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, with simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time.
They come together quickly, making them a great choice when you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is incredibly versatile too. If you want to add a twist, you can experiment by incorporating chocolate chips, a pinch of sea salt, or even a dash of espresso powder to enhance the flavor.
For those looking for a more decadent cookie, you can dip the cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle with a bit of chocolate ganache.
You can also adjust the sweetness by using less powdered sugar for the coating or opting for dark chocolate cocoa powder.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a homemade treat, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are sure to impress.
Their perfect combination of texture, taste, and visual appeal makes them a memorable treat that will keep you coming back for more.
With their rich flavor, chewy texture, and stunning appearance, these cookies are a sweet reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls (uncoated) or the baked cookies. Just re-roll in sugar before baking if frozen.
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Usually due to warm dough or undercoating. Be sure to chill your dough and generously coat in powdered sugar.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for delicious results.
