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dessert

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

By Grandma Millie

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Plate of CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES dusted with powdered sugar next to a glass of milk.

Chocolate crinkle cookies are a timeless favorite that bring rich cocoa flavor and irresistible texture to your baking tray. Rolled in sugar before baking, these cookies crack open into beautiful crinkled tops that reveal a soft, fudgy center beneath a delicate crust. Infused with cocoa, vanilla, and just a hint of coffee for depth, they fill the kitchen with the comforting aroma of chocolate as they bake. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, weekend baking projects, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, chocolate crinkle cookies are a simple yet stunning treat that always delights.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 2 hrs 27 mins
Serves: 24 servings
Calories: 150
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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
chilling
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 27 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (the base for our cookies)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (gives that rich chocolate flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the cookies rise)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (enhances the sweetness)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (adds moisture and depth)
  • 1 large egg (binding agent for the dough)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for moisture and richness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a lovely flavor)
  • 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for rolling to create that crinkle effect)

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Bowl — For mixing dry ingredients.
  • 1 Separate Bowl — For beating wet ingredients.
  • 1 Baking sheet — For baking the cookies.
  • 1 Parchment paper — To line the baking sheet.
  • 1 Plastic Wrap — To cover the dough while chilling.

Method

  1. 1

    Get ready to indulge in some delicious CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES! With a preparation time of 15 minutes, a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 2 hours, these cookies are worth the wait!

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined!

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

  4. 4

    Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to be soft and chewy!

  5. 5

    Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for that perfect crinkle!

  6. 6

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. We’re almost there!

  7. 7

    Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, then place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

  8. 8

    Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until cracks form on the surface and the edges are set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

  9. 9

    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your delicious CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories150
Fat6g
Protein2g
Carbs22g

Why You’ll Love This CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

  • They’re irresistibly chewy with a fudgy center.
  • Each cookie is dusted with powdered sugar for a stunning look.
  • Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.
  • Simple ingredients make them easy to whip up anytime.
  • They bring a nostalgic taste of childhood to every bite.

Ingredients

Gather these delightful ingredients for your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!

Ingredients for CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES arranged on a kitchen table.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our cookies
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – gives that rich chocolate flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cookies rise
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances the sweetness
  • ½ cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
  • ¼ cup brown sugar – adds moisture and depth
  • 1 large egg – binding agent for the dough
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for moisture and richness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely flavor
  • 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar – for rolling to create that crinkle effect

How to Make CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

Get ready to indulge in some delicious CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES! With a preparation time of 15 minutes, a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 2 hours, these cookies are worth the wait!

Step-by-step process of making CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES, including whisking dry ingredients, beating wet ingredients, and chilling the dough.

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined!

Step 2: Beat Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to be soft and chewy!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for that perfect crinkle!

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. We’re almost there!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, then place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until cracks form on the surface and the edges are set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your delicious CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Extra Time120 minutes (Chilling)
Total Time147 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves24
Best ServedWith a glass of milk!

Pro Tips for Making CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shaping.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor.
  • Roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice for a beautiful crinkle effect.
  • Don’t overbake; they should be soft in the center.
  • Store in an airtight container to keep them chewy.

How to Serve this CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
  • Pair with a glass of cold almond milk for a delightful treat.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
  • Enjoy alongside a cup of hot cocoa for extra chocolatey goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Keep your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies fresh and delicious with these simple storage tips:

Storing CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES Leftovers

  • Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
  • Place in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Enjoy within 3-5 days for best freshness.

Freezing CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

  • Cool cookies completely before freezing.
  • Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil.
  • Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
  • Enjoy with a glass of milk for the best experience!

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—delicious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat! With their rich chocolate flavor and delightful crinkly tops, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the simple joy of baking. Happy baking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What is the secret to crinkle cookies?
The secret to crinkle cookies lies in the dough preparation and the baking process. Make sure to chill your dough for at least a couple of hours before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop those beautiful cracks. Additionally, rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking creates that signature crinkly appearance as they expand in the oven.
Are chocolate crinkle cookies better with butter or oil?
Both butter and oil can be used in chocolate crinkle cookies, but they yield slightly different textures. Butter gives a richer flavor and a firmer texture, while oil can make the cookies softer and chewier. If you prefer a more traditional taste, go for butter; if you want a softer bite, oil is a great choice. You can even use a combination of both for the best of both worlds!
Why do my crinkles not crack?
If your crinkles aren’t cracking, it could be due to underbaking or not enough leavening agent. Make sure to bake them until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Also, ensure you’re using enough baking powder or baking soda, as these ingredients help create the rise and cracks. Lastly, chilling the dough properly before baking is crucial for achieving those lovely crinkles.
What makes cookies crinkly?
Cookies become crinkly due to the combination of the dough’s moisture content and the baking process. When the cookies bake, the moisture evaporates, causing the surface to crack as it expands. The powdered sugar coating also contributes to the crinkly effect, as it creates a barrier that cracks apart during baking. Ensuring the right balance of ingredients and proper baking time will help you achieve those perfect crinkles!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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