Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill the dough in advance to simplify your baking day.
- Rich and Chocolatey: The deep cocoa flavor makes these cookies irresistible.
- Soft and Chewy: The perfect texture in every bite.
- Festive Look: Their crackly white exterior is eye-catching and beautiful for any occasion.
Tools You’ll Need
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk: To ensure a smooth dough.
- Baking sheets: For baking the cookies.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
Description
There’s something magical about Chocolate Crinkle Cookies—their soft, fudgy centers and crackly powdered sugar coating make them a holiday classic. This easy recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels and guarantees a batch of cookies that look as good as they taste. Whether for a cookie exchange or a cozy treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil (or melted butter) until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 4: Shape and Coat
- Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are crackly and the edges are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling is non-negotiable! It keeps the cookies from spreading and enhances the flavor.
- Generous Coating: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar for a dramatic crinkle effect.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be set on the edges but still soft in the middle when removed from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the unbaked dough balls (without powdered sugar coating) for up to 2 months. Roll in powdered sugar before baking straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to keep the texture similar.
Q2: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Q3: Why didn’t my cookies crackle?
Make sure the dough is properly chilled and generously coated in powdered sugar for the best crackle effect.
Conclusion: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful. Their fudgy centers and festive crackled tops make them a must-have for the holiday season—or anytime you’re craving chocolate!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 90
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy baking (and eating) this easy and delightful treat with your loved ones!