Crinkle cookies are one of those treats that immediately bring joy, aren’t they? Picture this: soft, fudgy cookies with a crisp, powdery exterior that breaks away with the first bite, revealing a rich, brownie-like center. These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are not just a delicious treat—they’re a celebration of everything sweet and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, sharing with friends, or just indulging in a little chocolatey goodness, these cookies are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about making cookies; it’s about creating little moments of joy, bite by bite. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

Rich & Fudgy: With their deep chocolate flavor and soft texture, these cookies are like little bites of brownie heaven.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, even beginner bakers can make these cookies with ease. The process is straightforward, so no stress—just delicious cookies!
Holiday Favorite: The powdered sugar coating gives these cookies a festive look, making them a great addition to holiday cookie trays, parties, or any time you want to impress.
Customizable: If you want to add a twist, throw in some white chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dash of mint extract for a refreshing flavor boost.

Ingredients

Making these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies requires just a few simple ingredients, but the results are absolutely magical:

Cocoa Powder:

This is the flavor base of the cookies, giving them that deep, rich chocolate taste that makes you want to go for just one more bite.

Granulated Sugar:

Sweetness is key, and this sugar provides just the right balance to complement the cocoa powder and create a chewy, satisfying cookie.

Vegetable Oil:

Instead of butter, the oil helps keep these cookies super soft and fudgy while ensuring that they bake up perfectly moist.

Eggs:

Eggs give the cookies structure and that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that we love in a good cookie.

Vanilla Extract:

The vanilla adds a warm, sweet depth to the overall flavor of the cookies, bringing out the richness of the cocoa.

All-Purpose Flour:

Flour gives the cookies their body, holding everything together and ensuring they bake into the perfect, chewy texture.

Baking Powder:

This helps the cookies puff up just a little bit as they bake, creating those signature cracks on the surface.

Salt:

A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and the richness of the chocolate.

Powdered Sugar:

The pièce de résistance! This is what gives the cookies their signature crinkly, snowy exterior, making them look as good as they taste.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake some chocolatey goodness? Let’s get started!

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil until fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is smooth and glossy.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for getting a consistent texture throughout the dough.

Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Refrigerate the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you’re planning ahead). Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape while baking and gives the cookies a chewier texture.

Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Shape & Coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, coating it completely. The more powdered sugar, the more pronounced the crinkles will be!

Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies puff up and crack but are still soft in the center. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone—that’s what gives them that chewy, fudgy texture!

Cool & Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Trust me, they won’t last that long!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Here are a few ideas to make them even more delightful:

With a glass of milk: Because let’s be honest, chocolate cookies and milk are a match made in heaven.
As part of a cookie platter: Add these to your holiday cookie tray or serve them at a party alongside other treats for a chocolate lover’s dream.
With a scoop of ice cream: Sandwich these cookies with your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies:

Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them that rich, fudgy texture.
Don’t overbake: These cookies should be soft in the center. If you bake them too long, they can become dry and lose that gooey, brownie-like texture.
Coat them generously in powdered sugar: The more sugar, the more crinkles and that signature powdered exterior. Go big or go home!
Try different flavors: Add in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a dash of peppermint extract for a fun twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can even freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just roll them in powdered sugar right before baking!

Q2: Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

A2: While vegetable oil helps keep these cookies soft and chewy, you can substitute with melted butter if you’d like. The texture will be a little different, but still delicious.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long!

Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?

A4: Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

A5: Absolutely! Add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough if you want even more chocolatey goodness.

Q6: How can I make the crinkles even more pronounced?

A6: Roll your dough balls in powdered sugar generously, and don’t be afraid to coat them well. The more sugar, the deeper the cracks will be.

Q7: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A7: Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just don’t forget to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

Q8: What happens if I bake them for too long?

A8: If you bake the cookies for too long, they might become dry and lose their fudgy texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Q9: Can I use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder?

A9: Yes! Dark cocoa powder will give your cookies a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. If you’re a fan of deep chocolatey treats, go for it!

Q10: Can I double the recipe?

A10: Definitely! Just double the ingredients and make sure to bake in batches if your oven isn’t big enough to fit them all at once.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the perfect balance of fudgy, rich, and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re simple to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and sure to impress everyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something chocolatey, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. So grab your mixing bowl, roll up those sleeves, and let’s get baking!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies