Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
There’s nothing quite like a tray of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies fresh from the oven. With their fudgy centers, crackly powdered sugar tops, and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a holiday classic that everyone loves.
They look fancy enough for a Christmas cookie platter but are simple enough to whip up any time you’re craving chocolate.
I make these every year during the holidays, and they never last long. The outside bakes up slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and chewy, almost like a brownie.
They pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even your morning coffee.
If you’re looking for another holiday cookie recipe or a dinner idea, try my Steak and sesame noodles or my Strawberry Bundt Cake for a sweet treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and oil until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Step 3: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This step is important to make the dough firm enough to roll into balls.
Step 4: Preheat the oven
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Roll & coat
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Coat each ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure they’re fully covered. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cookies have spread and the tops are cracked. Don’t overbake — they should stay soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Chill time matters: Don’t skip the refrigeration step — it keeps the cookies thick and chewy.
- Generous sugar coating: The more powdered sugar, the prettier the crinkle effect.
- Make ahead: You can freeze the dough balls before baking. When ready, just roll in powdered sugar and bake.
- Extra fudgy: Use dark cocoa powder for an even richer chocolate flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich, festive, and beautiful on any dessert table. They’re a holiday favorite for cookie swaps, gift tins, or cozy nights in.
With their brownie-like texture and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re sure to become a family tradition in your home too.
If you love baking, check out my Easy Kielbasa and Potatoes for a simple dinner idea before dessert, or my Homemade Caramel for another sweet recipe everyone will enjoy.
