If you love rich, fudgy cookies with a crackly, powdered sugar coating, these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a must-try! They have a soft, brownie-like center and a crisp, crackled exterior, making them the perfect holiday or anytime treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy and Soft: Like a brownie in cookie form!
- Beautiful Crackle Effect: A stunning powdered sugar finish.
- Perfect for Holidays: A festive favorite for cookie swaps and parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The base for soft and chewy cookies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup) – Adds deep chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances the chocolate taste.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup, packed) – Gives a chewy texture.
- Vegetable Oil (⅓ cup) – Keeps the cookies moist.
- Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds depth of flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup, for rolling) – Creates the crinkle effect.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place powdered sugar in a small bowl.
Step 3: Shape and Coat
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring full coverage.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies have spread and the tops have crinkled.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Coat Well in Powdered Sugar: A thick coating ensures the best crinkle effect.
- Don’t Overbake: They should be soft in the center with slightly firm edges.
Storing and Freezing
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Roll in powdered sugar before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use melted butter instead of oil?
Yes! Melted butter will add a richer flavor but may slightly change the texture.
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Make sure the dough is chilled well and coat them generously in powdered sugar.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream! With their fudgy centers and snowy, crinkled tops, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your batch turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (+ 2 hours chilling)
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 110 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 16g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
If you love rich, fudgy cookies with a crackly, powdered sugar coating, these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a must-try! They have a soft, brownie-like center and a crisp, crackled exterior, making them the perfect holiday or anytime treat.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The base for soft and chewy cookies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup) – Adds deep chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances the chocolate taste.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup, packed) – Gives a chewy texture.
- Vegetable Oil (⅓ cup) – Keeps the cookies moist.
- Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds depth of flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup, for rolling) – Creates the crinkle effect.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place powdered sugar in a small bowl.
Step 3: Shape and Coat
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring full coverage.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies have spread and the tops have crinkled.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: This prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Coat Well in Powdered Sugar: A thick coating ensures the best crinkle effect.
- Don’t Overbake: They should be soft in the center with slightly firm edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 2 hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Cuisine: American