These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are soft, fudgy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. They’re gluten-free and dairy-free, so everyone can enjoy them. The crackly sugar tops make them look festive, perfect for Christmas or cozy weekends at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
You’ll love how chewy and soft they are inside while staying slightly crisp on the edges. They use simple ingredients and come together easily. Also, they look stunning on a cookie platter and make a thoughtful holiday gift.
Ingredients (What You Need)
Dry Ingredients
Almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt. These make a smooth, rich chocolate base that melts in your mouth.
Wet Ingredients
Avocado oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and one egg. These add moisture, richness, and help create that fudgy texture.
Powdered Sugar Coating Notes
Roll the cookie dough balls in a thick layer of powdered sugar. This step creates the beautiful white crackle effect when baked.
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
Add the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, stir oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and egg. Combine with the dry mix and stir until you get a rich, chocolatey dough.
Chill the Dough
Place the dough in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps form perfect crinkles and makes rolling easier.
Roll in Powdered Sugar and Bake
Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Let them cool slightly before moving to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
Always chill the dough before baking for perfect cracks. Use a thick layer of powdered sugar for a snowy look. Don’t overbake; keep the centers soft. You can replace coconut sugar with brown sugar or use light olive oil instead of avocado oil.
Variations and Substitutions
Add a pinch of espresso powder to boost the chocolate flavor. For more texture, mix in dairy-free chocolate chips. You can even roll the dough in cocoa powder before the sugar for a darker, rich twist.
FAQ
Why are my crinkle cookies not crackling?
The dough might be too warm. Chill it well before baking and coat generously with powdered sugar to get deep cracks.
How do I keep them soft?
Bake just until the tops crack and the edges set. Store in an airtight container to keep them soft for days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it the night before. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling and baking.
Storage and Freezing Guide
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Recipe Card)
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Delicious Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Rich, fudgy, gluten-free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with crackly sugar tops. Perfect for Christmas and completely dairy-free.
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup avocado oil (or light olive oil)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and egg.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
6. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crackled and just set.
9. Cool on baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Chill dough before baking for best texture.
Coat generously with powdered sugar for deep crinkles.
Do not overbake; cookies should stay soft inside.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
More Such Recipes
Try peppermint bark brownies for festive chocolate lovers.
Enjoy soft and chewy lemon crinkle cookies.
Bake a classic snickerdoodle cookies recipe.
Love chocolate? Try chocolate thumbprint cookies with gooey centers.
Snack on easy banana chocolate chip cookies.
Celebrate with 4th of July crinkle cookies for holiday fun.

Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a Christmas must-bake. They’re soft, fudgy, and full of chocolate joy. Bake a batch, share with friends, and enjoy the sweet warmth they bring. For more inspiration, visit Pinterest or follow on Facebook.
