Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

There’s something magical about Chocolate Crinkle Cookies—they’re soft, fudgy, and dusted with powdered sugar, giving them that signature crinkled appearance that makes them irresistible. The first bite offers an intense chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth, and the powdered sugar adds a sweet touch of texture. It’s no wonder these cookies are a holiday classic, but trust me, they’re perfect any time of year. Whether you’re baking for yourself, sharing with family, or surprising a friend with a sweet gift, these cookies are bound to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

If you’re a chocolate fan, these cookies are a dream come true. The deep cocoa flavor is rich and indulgent, and the fudgy texture gives you that melt-in-your-mouth sensation that only the best chocolate treats can provide.

Gorgeous Presentation

The crinkled effect from the powdered sugar gives each cookie a unique, rustic look that’s perfect for any occasion. When you bite into them, you get a perfect combination of soft and chewy, making them just as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Don’t let the fancy look fool you—these cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients. You can whip them up in no time, and the result is totally worth it. They’re easy enough for beginners but taste like something you’d find in a bakery.

Versatile and Customizable

These cookies are great on their own, but you can take them up a notch by adding a dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even some chopped chocolate for extra richness. You can play around with flavors to make them your own.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these indulgent, crinkly chocolate wonders:

For the Cookie Dough:

  • Cocoa Powder
    This gives the cookies that rich, deep chocolate flavor that’s essential for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar
    Sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread out as they bake, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
  • Vegetable Oil
    Oil ensures the cookies are soft and moist, keeping them fudgy and tender.
  • Eggs
    Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure, giving the cookies that light yet rich consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract
    Vanilla adds warmth and depth, balancing out the chocolate flavor.
  • Baking Powder
    This helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a soft and pillowy interior.
  • Salt
    A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing everything together.

For the Coating:

  • Powdered Sugar
    Powdered sugar is the secret to the iconic cracked, snowy finish on top of these cookies.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be thick and a little sticky—perfect for rolling into balls.

4. Roll the Cookie Dough

Place a generous amount of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar until it’s fully coated. You want to make sure the dough is generously coated so that the crinkles will form during baking.

5. Bake the Cookies

Place the powdered sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have crinkled and cracked.

6. Cool and Enjoy!

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period helps them set while keeping the insides soft and chewy.

7. Serve and Savor

Once cooled, serve your cookies with a cold glass of milk, or enjoy them as a delicious snack or dessert. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 23g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

As a Dessert

These cookies make a perfect after-dinner treat. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

For Holiday Gatherings

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a classic choice for any holiday, from Christmas to Thanksgiving. Their festive, crinkled appearance and rich chocolate flavor make them a favorite on cookie platters.

As a Gift

These cookies are beautiful enough to be given as a gift. Package them up in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got a sweet, homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows the dough to chill and firm up, which makes it easier to roll into balls. If you want to freeze them, roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Customize the Flavor

Feel free to get creative with these cookies! Add chocolate chips, a pinch of cinnamon, or even some espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Store Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and soft—just like the first day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of sweetened?
A1: Yes, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder, but you may want to add a bit more sugar to balance the bitterness.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A2: Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers, but this may slightly affect the texture.

Q3: Can I freeze these cookies?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Q4: How do I make sure the crinkles are perfect?
A4: Make sure to roll the dough balls in plenty of powdered sugar. The sugar coating is key to getting those beautiful cracks as the cookies bake.

Q5: What’s the best way to store these cookies?
A5: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and soft.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
A6: Yes! You can stir in some chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.

Q7: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A7: You can experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar, but the texture might vary slightly from the traditional recipe.

Q8: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A8: The cookies are done when the tops have crinkled and cracked, and the edges are set. They may look a little soft in the middle, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?
A9: Yes! If you’re making these for a crowd or want to have extra on hand, you can double the recipe easily.

Q10: Can I use this dough to make larger cookies?
A10: Sure! If you want bigger cookies, just increase the size of the dough balls. Be sure to adjust the baking time, as larger cookies will need more time to bake.

Conclusion

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. They’re easy to make, but the result is an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cozy cup of coffee, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. So go ahead, bake a batch and let the crinkles take over!

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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These classic chocolate crinkle cookies are soft, chewy, and coated in powdered sugar for a festive look. With a rich cocoa flavor and a delightful crinkled texture, they are perfect for any cookie lover.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, mix cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  • Add Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the cocoa mixture until the dough is thick and well combined.
    • Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  • Shape the Cookies:
    • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls.
    • Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat.
  • Bake the Cookies:
    • Place coated dough balls on baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and edges are set. Centers will remain soft.
  • Cool and Serve:
    • Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Make sure to chill the dough; this helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the crinkle effect.
  • Adjust baking time if cookies are larger or smaller than the standard size.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 130
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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