Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
If ever there was a cookie that captures the spirit of festive indulgence, it’s Chocolate Crinkle Cookies! These treats burst with deep cocoa flavor and come dressed in a snowy coat of powdered sugar that cracks open as they bake, revealing a fudgy, brownie-like center. Perfectly soft inside with a crisp sugary outside, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser—whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a luscious chocolate fix.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies begins with a handful of pantry staples, each one bringing something special to the table. Every ingredient has a part to play in creating those iconic crinkles, the rich chocolate punch, and that tender, chewy crumb we all love.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s essential for the cookie’s fudgy base.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the slightly crispy edges.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist, soft, and helps blend the cocoa into the batter for a silky texture.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ chewy center.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a cozy warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their structure and soft bite.
- Baking Powder: Lifts the dough and helps form those beautiful cracks on top.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates that signature white crinkly topping and adds a delicate sweetness with every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Combine the Cocoa, Sugar, and Oil
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Don’t rush this part! You want the mixture to be glossy and well blended, which sets the stage for the dreamy, rich flavor of your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the batter emulsify beautifully, giving the cookies their trademark fudgy texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, which layers in a gorgeous aromatic warmth.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the raising agent and salt are evenly distributed before they meet the wet ingredients, so you get perfect crinkles every time.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, folding them in gently just until combined. The dough will be quite thick and sticky—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want! Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so a few streaks of flour are OK.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm. Chilling is the secret to achieving those glorious crinkled tops and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once the dough is cold and scoopable, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, then toss each one generously in powdered sugar. Be thorough with the coating—it’s what gives Chocolate Crinkle Cookies their classic snowy look!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared dough balls 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops have that signature crackly finish. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to move them too soon—they’re wonderfully soft straight out of the oven!
How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes
These cookies already look like little works of art, but you can level up the presentation by sprinkling a bit of extra powdered sugar right before serving. For a sophisticated twist, add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top—chocolate lovers will adore the contrast!
Side Dishes
Pair Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert duo. For a holiday cookie platter, balance them with buttery shortbread or citrusy lemon bars so all the flavors sing.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift these cookies stacked in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or nestle them into a festive tin lined with parchment paper. At a party, try arranging them in a ring on a cake plate and fill the center with chocolate-dipped strawberries or chocolate truffles for an extra-decadent display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Insert a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft—the cookies will stay fresh, and the bread will absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze wonderfully. Roll the dough into balls and freeze (without sugar coating) on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, roll in powdered sugar and add an extra minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to two months—just thaw on the counter before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm and gooey, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds. They’ll taste as fresh as the day they were made—the chocolate! The crinkles! It’s like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Why do I need to chill the dough for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
Chilling the dough is crucial—it helps firm up the cookie batter so the cookies don’t spread too much during baking. The result is those delightful, crackly tops and a perfectly chewy center.
Can I make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get all the fudgy, crinkly goodness you crave.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for set edges and crackly tops; the centers will still look a touch soft but will finish setting as they cool. Overbaking dries them out, so aim for 10–12 minutes and check early if your oven runs hot.
What if my powdered sugar disappears after baking?
If the powdered sugar soaks in and loses its snowy look, your dough might be a bit too warm or the sugar coating too thin. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly and coat generously for that classic crinkle effect.
Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Fold in up to 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped toasted walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Just remember, the classic appeal of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies is their pure, intense chocolate profile, so don’t go overboard with add-ins.
Final Thoughts
Whip up a batch of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and watch as every bite disappears to delighted “mmm”s and smile after smile. They’re easy, unforgettable, and pure chocolate comfort—so go ahead, bake them for friends, family, or just to treat yourself. There’s never a wrong time for a little crinkle magic!
Print
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies that are perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough into balls, coat with powdered sugar.
- Bake: Place on baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool: Let cool on sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is key for the crinkle look and prevents spreading.
- For extra richness, add 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg