Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Fudgy, Festive & Easy to Make

Every year around December, the scent of chocolate, vanilla, and just a hint of nostalgia fills my kitchen. It’s the season for my grandmother’s treasured Chocolate Crinkle Cookies—those snowy, crackled beauties that always made the dessert table sparkle.

Biting into one feels like a hug in cookie form: crisp edges give way to a fudgy chocolate center, dusted generously with confectioners’ sugar. These soft chocolate cookies have earned their place among our holiday traditions, and now I’m thrilled to share them with you.

If you love cookies with unique textures and festive flair, you might also enjoy these soft and cinnamon-rich Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe or explore these bright and tangy Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

What Are Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, also known as chocolate crinkles, cocoa crinkle cookies, or chocolate crackle cookies, are iconic for their snowy, craggy surface. As they bake, the soft dough spreads and cracks open, revealing a dramatic contrast between dark cocoa and white powdered sugar coating.

Their texture? Think brownie-like cookies with crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a must-bake during the holiday season—perfect for Christmas cookie recipes, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply as a cozy winter treat.

And hey, if you’re as obsessed with chocolate desserts as we are, don’t miss out—Follow us on Facebook for more chocolate dessert ideas or Explore our Pinterest boards for delicious recipe inspiration.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s talk ingredients. These cookies are all about balance—rich cocoa, sweet sugars, and that iconic sugary crust.

Must-Haves:

• Dutch-processed cocoa – smooth and mellow; unsweetened cocoa powder works too (see FAQs)
• Brown sugar + white sugar – 2:1 ratio for chewy richness
• Canola oil in cookies – adds moist texture without overpowering flavor
• Large eggs for baking – room temperature, always
• Pure vanilla extract – flavor booster!
• All-purpose flour, baking powder for cookies, and a pinch of salt
• Confectioners’ sugar – for that classic snowy look

Smart Substitutions:

• No Dutch-process? Use regular cocoa and add ¾ tsp baking soda to balance acidity
• Swap canola oil for light olive oil or even melted butter (flavor will vary)
• Gluten-free? Try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with xanthan gum

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10–12 mins
Chill Time: 35–45 mins

Here’s how to make these crinkle cookies recipe magic happen:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a small bowl: sift together 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   • In a medium bowl: whisk ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa, ⅔ cup sugar, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup canola oil.
   • Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
   • Stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract.
3. Combine
   • Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet chocolate base until a soft, sticky dough forms.
4. Chill Dough
   • Cover and refrigerate for 35–45 minutes. (This step is crucial for achieving crackled cookie tops.)
5. Shape and Roll
   • Use a 1½ tbsp scoop to form dough balls.
   • Roll each ball generously in confectioners’ sugar.
6. Bake
   • Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–11 minutes. Tops should be crinkled; centers soft.
7. Cool
   • Let cookies rest on sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies

Want soft and chewy cookies every time? Here are a few pro tips:

• ✅ Chill your dough—it keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
• ✅ Double coat in sugar for dramatic crackles.
• ✅ Use a cookie scoop for even sizing and baking.
• ✅ Test batch: Bake 1–2 cookies first to fine-tune timing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are perfect for make-ahead cookie dough and gifting!

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight cookie storage container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze Dough Balls (uncoated): Freeze for up to 3 months, then roll in sugar before baking.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Layer with parchment and store in freezer-safe bags.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	138 kcal
Carbohydrates	24g
Protein	2g
Fat	5g
Sugars	15g

I hope these chocolate powdered sugar cookies become part of your go-to holiday bakes. Whether you’re baking for Santa or your study group, these are guaranteed to steal the show on any holiday dessert table.

Have fun, and don’t forget to share your cookie photos with us!
Whip up a classic batch of Peanut Butter Cookies or Discover the best homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies for your next treat.
And for endless inspiration, Check out our Sweet Treats board for more cookie recipes like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

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