The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

why make this recipe

Chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to every bite. Their soft, chewy texture paired with the rich chocolate flavor makes them irresistible. The beautiful powdered sugar coating creates a stunning contrast that will impress everyone at your table. This easy recipe allows you to create a batch of delicious cookies perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself.

how to make The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup flour
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare two shallow bowls—one for granulated sugar and another for powdered sugar. Set these aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and oil using a wooden spoon until well mixed.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is just combined.
4. Sprinkle in the salt, baking powder, and flour. Mix these ingredients until they incorporate fully, forming a stiff dough.
5. Use a cookie dough scoop to roll the dough into balls that are about 1 1/2 inches in size. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes and try rolling again.
6. Roll each ball in the thin layer of granulated sugar, followed by coating in a thick layer of powdered sugar.
7. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10 minutes or until the tops of the cookies crack and the edges set. They will firm up while cooling.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Store your cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.

how to serve The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Serve your chocolate crinkle cookies warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. These cookies also make an excellent addition to cookie trays for gatherings and holidays.

how to store The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy them anytime!

tips to make The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
• If your dough is too sticky to roll, chill it for a bit to make handling easier.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Experiment with adding chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey treat.

variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a nice crunch. Different types of flavored extracts can also be used, such as peppermint or almond, for a unique twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use melted butter instead of oil?
A: Yes, you can replace the oil with an equal amount of melted butter if you prefer.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies are done when their tops have cracked, and the edges are set. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free chocolate crinkle cookies.

The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

These classic chocolate crinkle cookies are a holiday favorite, featuring a rich, fudgy interior and a delightful crinkled, powdered sugar exterior. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a glass of milk.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop
• Wire rack

Ingredients

  

Cookie Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and no streaks of flour remain; do not overmix.
• Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up.

Baking

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Place granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in another.
• Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll each in granulated sugar, then generously coat in powdered sugar.
• Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 9-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still slightly soft; the cookies will puff up and then flatten, creating crinkles.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, do not skip the chilling time, as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures prominent crinkles. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.