If you love rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackly, powdered sugar coating, these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are for you! They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and have that signature crinkled look that makes them irresistible. Perfect for holiday baking or a sweet treat any time of the year!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Fudgy – Like brownies in cookie form!
- Beautiful Crinkle Effect – A showstopper on any cookie tray.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples.
- Perfect for Holidays – A classic favorite for Christmas and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup) – Creates a deep chocolate flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the cookies and helps with texture.
- Vegetable Oil (¼ cup) – Keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The base of the cookies.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup, for rolling) – Creates the signature crinkle effect.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Small bowl for rolling in powdered sugar
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This step is crucial for creating the crinkle effect!
Step 2: Shape and Coat
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are crinkled and the edges are set.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- A cold glass of milk for the ultimate classic pairing.
- Hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Vanilla ice cream for a delicious cookie sandwich.
Tips for the Best Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the Dough – This prevents spreading and ensures thick, fudgy cookies.
- Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar – The more, the better for a dramatic crinkle look!
- Don’t Overbake – They should look soft in the center when you take them out.
Storing & Freezing
- Refrigerate Dough: Store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
- Store Baked Cookies: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
- Freeze Dough: Roll into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before rolling in powdered sugar and baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use melted butter instead of oil?
Yes, but the cookies may be slightly denser. Oil keeps them extra soft!
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
This happens if the dough isn’t cold enough or if there’s not enough powdered sugar. Chill well and coat generously!
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a must-try for any chocolate lover. With their fudgy centers and crackly powdered sugar coating, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful. Perfect for sharing—if you don’t eat them all first!
Give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes (+2 hours chilling)
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 50mg

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
If you love rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackly, powdered sugar coating, these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are for you! They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and have that signature crinkled look that makes them irresistible. Perfect for holiday baking or a sweet treat any time of the year!
Hungry for more? Subscribe now and have this recipe sent directly to your inbox—along with exclusive foodie updates!
Ingredients
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (½ cup) – Creates a deep chocolate flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the cookies and helps with texture.
- Vegetable Oil (¼ cup) – Keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- Eggs (2 large) – Helps bind everything together.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – The base of the cookies.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup, for rolling) – Creates the signature crinkle effect.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This step is crucial for creating the crinkle effect!
Step 2: Shape and Coat
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are crinkled and the edges are set.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough – This prevents spreading and ensures thick, fudgy cookies.
- Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar – The more, the better for a dramatic crinkle look!
- Don’t Overbake – They should look soft in the center when you take them out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+2 hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Cuisine: American