Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about the way chocolate crinkle cookies look fresh out of the oven. Those perfectly cracked tops dusted with powdered sugar, hiding a soft, fudgy center. If you’ve never made them before, you’re in for a treat! These cookies are a holiday classic, but honestly, they’re perfect for any time you need a sweet fix.

If you’re a cookie enthusiast, you might also enjoy our unique Crookie Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Making Cookie Croissants, a delightful fusion of cookies and croissants.

I remember the first time I baked them I was nervous that the cracks wouldn’t form right, but guess what? They did! And the best part? They were so simple to make, even for someone who’s not a baking pro. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, follow along, and let’s get those cookies baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Before you start mixing and stirring, let’s gather up the ingredients. These cookies have a relatively short list, but each one plays an important role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar – For sweetness that balances the chocolate.
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil – This helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• 2 large eggs – Eggs bind everything together and help create that fudgy interior.
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla adds depth to the chocolate flavor.
• 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder – The star ingredient, giving these cookies their rich, chocolatey flavor.
• 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder – For that soft, cake-like texture.
• 1/2 tsp of salt – To balance out the sweetness.
• 1 cup of powdered sugar – This will give the cookies their signature crackled top when rolled.
• Optional: 1/2 cup of chocolate chips – For extra chocolatey goodness (because, why not?).

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the baking process. Here’s a breakdown of each step to make sure your cookies turn out just right:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot by the time your dough is ready. Then, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, start by whisking together granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a bit of flavor magic. The texture should be smooth and slightly glossy by now.

Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to sift the dry ingredients together. Sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl. This ensures there are no lumps in the cocoa powder, which can sometimes cause uneven mixing later on.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to add a little at a time to avoid flour flying everywhere. Stir it slowly at first, then speed up as the dough starts to come together. You’ll end up with a thick, rich dough that’s slightly sticky perfect!

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Here’s the part where patience comes in. Once your dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to roll into balls and ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 6: Roll the Dough into Balls

After the dough has chilled, take it out of the fridge. Now comes the fun part rolling the dough into balls. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your hands to form a ball. The dough might still be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!

Next, pour the powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until it’s fully coated. The sugar will create that signature crackled look on the cookie as it bakes. Make sure the sugar coating is thick enough; this is what gives the cookies that signature crinkle effect!

Step 7: Arrange the Dough on the Baking Sheet

Place your sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each one about 2 inches. The cookies will spread a little during baking, and we don’t want them to touch!

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Pop your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are cracked and slightly puffed, but the cookies are still soft in the center. They’ll continue to set up a little bit after you take them out of the oven, so don’t worry if they look a little underdone.

Step 9: Let the Cookies Cool

Once you’ve baked your cookies, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up so they don’t fall apart when you transfer them. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait is worth it these cookies are so chewy and delicious once they’re fully cooled!

Pair your cookies with a refreshing drink topped with our Cold Foam: The Ultimate Guide to Frothing Techniques for a delightful treat.

Tips for Perfectly Crinkled Cookies

Getting that perfect crackly top on your chocolate crinkle cookies can be a bit tricky, but with a few insider tips, you’ll have no problem!

1. Chill the Dough Long Enough: One of the most important tips I can give is to make sure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, if you have time). The cold dough will hold its shape better when you roll it and when it bakes, ensuring the cracks form beautifully without spreading too much.
2. Generous Coating of Powdered Sugar: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! Coat each dough ball thoroughly. A thick layer of powdered sugar on the outside is what causes the cracks to form during baking, so make sure the sugar is nice and heavy. If you’re unsure, you can always roll the dough balls twice in sugar for an extra snowy effect.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, try not to overmix the dough. Mixing too much can result in dense cookies that don’t spread and crack as beautifully. A gentle stir is all it needs!
4. Watch the Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies. The cracks form better if the cookies bake at a higher heat, but if the temperature is too high, they might bake too quickly and end up overdone on the outside with an undercooked center. 350°F (175°C) is usually the sweet spot for crinkle cookies, but if your oven runs hot, you might want to try 325°F.
5. Space Between Cookies: Give your cookies enough space on the baking sheet. I usually leave about 2 inches between each one to ensure they bake evenly and get enough room to spread and crack.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Even with the best tips, things don’t always go as planned. But don’t worry, if you encounter any problems while baking your chocolate crinkle cookies, here are some troubleshooting solutions to save the day!

1. Cookies Are Too Flat
   • Problem: If your cookies are coming out too flat, it’s likely due to warm dough or not enough flour.
   • Solution: Make sure to chill your dough properly before rolling. If the dough is too warm, it won’t hold its shape during baking. Also, check that you measured the flour properly (I always spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off). If the dough is too soft after chilling, you can add a little more flour to thicken it.
2. No Cracks on the Surface
   • Problem: If your cookies aren’t cracking as expected, the dough might be too warm, or you didn’t coat the dough balls with enough powdered sugar.
   • Solution: Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before rolling, and don’t skimp on the powdered sugar! The sugar needs to be generously coating the dough balls to create the cracks. You can even roll the dough balls in sugar twice for extra coverage.
3. Cracks but Cookies Are Dry Inside
   • Problem: This happens when the cookies are overbaked, and the center is too dry.
   • Solution: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should still feel soft to the touch when you take them out of the oven. The cracks should be set, but the cookies should be slightly underdone in the center. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up.
4. Cookies Are Too Sticky to Roll
   • Problem: Sometimes the dough can get too sticky, making it hard to roll into balls.
   • Solution: If the dough is too sticky, don’t panic. Just pop it back into the fridge for another 10-15 minutes to firm it up a bit. The colder the dough, the easier it will be to handle and roll into balls.
5. Unevenly Baked Cookies
   • Problem: If your cookies are baking unevenly (some too brown, some underdone), it’s likely due to uneven heat distribution in your oven.
   • Solution: Try rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure the cookies bake evenly. Additionally, you can use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the right temperature. Some ovens run hotter in certain areas.

With these tips and troubleshooting solutions, you’ll be able to bake perfect chocolate crinkle cookies every time! Just remember to enjoy the process, and don’t stress if things don’t turn out exactly as planned the most important part is the delicious result!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Now that you’ve made a batch of those perfect chocolate crinkle cookies, you’re probably wondering how to store them so they stay fresh or maybe you want to freeze them for later. Whether you plan to snack on them right away or save some for later, here’s how to keep your cookies at their best!

Storing Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

1. Room Temperature:
   If you plan to eat your cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking to each other. I like to stack mine neatly, but if you’re making a big batch, you may want to separate layers.
2. Freezing Baked Cookies:
   Want to keep some of your cookies for the future? You can freeze them! Place the cookies on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer for about 2 hours to flash freeze. Once they’re firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes and they’ll be just as delicious as the day you made them.

Freezing Cookie Dough

If you’re someone who loves to have cookie dough ready for whenever the craving hits (guilty!), you can freeze the dough as well. Here’s how:

1. Scoop and Freeze:
   After you’ve made the dough, scoop out the dough balls just like you would for baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
2. Baking Frozen Dough:
   When you’re ready to bake, you don’t need to thaw the dough! Just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for an extra 1-2 minutes. That’s it! Fresh cookies, ready in no time.

Best Way to Reheat Cookies

If you want to reheat your cookies to restore some of that fresh-baked softness, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll be warm, soft, and gooey, just like when you first made them.

Why Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Are Perfect for Every Occasion

Chocolate crinkle cookies aren’t just for the holidays they’re great for any time you want to make an impression with minimal effort! Their classic crinkled look and rich chocolate flavor make them a favorite for parties, family gatherings, or even as a homemade gift for a friend.

1. Holiday Treats:
   These cookies are a classic during the holidays perfect for cookie exchanges or adding to your holiday dessert table. The crinkles give them that festive touch, and who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and powdered sugar?
2. Gift-Giving:
   Packaged in a cute tin or cellophane bag, chocolate crinkle cookies make a lovely gift for anyone who loves a sweet treat. You can even include a little note or recipe card for a personal touch. I’ve made batches for friends’ birthdays, and they’ve always been a hit!
3. For Any Occasion:
   The best part is that you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to bake these cookies. Whether it’s a rainy day, a celebration, or just a random Tuesday, these cookies are sure to bring joy. They’re the kind of treat that makes any moment feel a little bit more special.

With these storage tips and ideas for how to enjoy your cookies later, you’re all set to keep your chocolate crinkle cookies fresh and ready to share or enjoy any time!

Bake, Enjoy, and Share Your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!

Chocolate crinkle cookies are one of those classic treats that never get old. From the moment they come out of the oven with their signature crinkled tops to that first bite of chewy, fudgy goodness, these cookies are pure joy. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you need a little chocolate fix, you can’t go wrong.

Honestly, baking makes me feel better after a long day. Turns out, there’s real science behind that joy Psychology Today explains why baking boosts your mood.

For more chocolate indulgence, check out our Mounds Cake Recipe: A Delicious Chocolate-Coconut Treat, combining rich chocolate with sweet coconut.

Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting. Even if your cookies don’t come out perfectly the first time (trust me, I’ve been there), they’ll still taste amazing! The most important thing is to enjoy the process, and with these tips, you’ll have a batch of cookies that you can be proud of every single time.

Feel free to experiment with different variations add in some chocolate chips, swap the cocoa powder for dark chocolate, or try a sprinkle of sea salt on top. And don’t forget to share your cookies with friends and family or keep them all to yourself (I won’t judge!).

I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out, so drop a comment below and share your experience. Have any tips of your own? Let me know!

And that’s a wrap! You now have a fully completed guide for baking delicious chocolate crinkle cookies. You’ve got everything from the ingredients to tips, troubleshooting, and even storage instructions. All that’s left to do is bake and enjoy!

Print