Chocolate crinkle cookies are the epitome of a sweet indulgence. Their unique appearance, with a cracked surface dusted in powdered sugar, makes them look like they came straight from a bakery. The moment you take a bite into these delightful treats, you’ll be captivated by their rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. Perfect for sharing during gatherings or as a special treat for yourself, chocolate crinkle cookies are incredibly easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through creating a batch of these irresistible cookies that are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is your ticket to cookie heaven. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these decadent delights!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Ingredients for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- <img data-pin-url="https://familyrecipeworld.com/easy-chocolate-crinkle-cookies-recipe/?tp_image_id=6570" data-pin-title="Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6570" src="https://familyrecipeworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Image_2-24.png" alt="" width="1024" height="1024" />
- Tips and Tricks
- How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Suggestions for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Overmixing the Dough
- Not Chilling the Dough
- Incorrect Oven Temperature
- Using Old Baking Powder
- <img data-pin-url="https://familyrecipeworld.com/easy-chocolate-crinkle-cookies-recipe/?tp_image_id=6567" data-pin-title="Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6567" src="https://familyrecipeworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Image_3-12.png" alt="" width="1024" height="1024" />
- FAQs
- What are Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
- How do I store Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
- Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
- Why do my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies not crack?
- Conclusion for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks.
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best structure and texture in your cookies.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor; opt for Dutch-processed if you prefer a mellower taste.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps achieve the perfect puffiness in your cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your dough with granulated sugar for balance against the cocoa’s bitterness.
- Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar enhances moisture and gives your cookies that chewy texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose vegetable oil instead of butter to create a more tender cookie without compromising flavor.
- Eggs: Two large eggs provide structure and richness to your cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile of your cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: This is essential for rolling the dough balls before baking; it gives that signature crinkly look.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Looking for more recipe inspiration? Click here!
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix granulated sugar and brown sugar with vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing as it might affect cookie texture.
Step 5: Chill Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and firms up the dough for easier handling.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar before placing them on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until slightly cracked but still soft.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delicious homemade chocolate crinkle cookies!

Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Chill Time Matters: Allowing sufficient chill time ensures easier handling of the dough and better texture in your final product.
- Sift Cocoa Powder: Sifting cocoa powder reduces clumps which helps create an even blend in your batter.
- Avoid Overbaking: Remember that cookies continue cooking on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven; take them out when they look slightly underbaked.
For more tasty options, look no further!
How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
This Chocolate Crinkle Cookies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm beverage enhances the rich chocolate flavor while providing a comforting experience.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful combination.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Find your next favorite dish right here!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Chill the dough for at least one hour before baking, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Storing: Store leftover Chocolate Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months; just ensure they are well-wrapped.
- Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for about five minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their chewy texture.
Turn your meal into a feast with this recipe!
Suggestions for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Overmixing the Dough
One common mistake when making Chocolate Crinkle Cookies is overmixing the dough. When you mix the ingredients too long, gluten develops, resulting in tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. To avoid this, mix only until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients. A few lumps are acceptable. This ensures that your cookies maintain their tender texture and crinkle beautifully when baked.
Not Chilling the Dough
Another crucial step often overlooked is chilling the dough. Skipping this step can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Chilling firms up the butter, helping to control the spread. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. This simple step makes a significant difference in achieving those perfect, crinkly tops that make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies so delightful.
Incorrect Oven Temperature
Many bakers underestimate the importance of oven temperature accuracy when baking Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. An oven that is too hot can cause your cookies to bake unevenly or burn on the edges while remaining raw in the center. Always preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer if needed for accuracy. Baking at 350°F usually yields great results, but ensure your oven is calibrated correctly for consistent baking.
Using Old Baking Powder
Using outdated baking powder can ruin your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies by affecting their rise and texture. Fresh baking powder ensures proper leavening, which creates those lovely puffy cracks on top of each cookie. To test if your baking powder is still active, add a teaspoon to hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s good to use. Always check expiration dates before starting your cookie-making adventure.

FAQs
What are Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat characterized by their soft centers and crinkly tops that form during baking. These cookies typically contain cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar for that signature look. They offer a rich chocolate flavor combined with a slightly chewy texture, making them a favorite among cookie lovers.
How do I store Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
To maintain freshness, store Chocolate Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; they freeze well when placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent moisture buildup that can affect their texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can make substitutions based on dietary preferences or availability of ingredients when making Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. For example, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Adjustments may slightly alter texture and flavor but experimenting can lead to delicious results tailored to your taste.
Why do my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies not crack?
If your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies don’t develop those beautiful cracks on top, it could be due to insufficient dough chilling or an inaccurate leavening agent like old baking powder. Ensure you chill the dough adequately and verify that your leavening agents are fresh before mixing your ingredients together for optimal cracking results.
Craving something different? Try this next!
Conclusion for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
In summary, making perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies involves careful attention to detail in both preparation and baking processes. Avoid common mistakes such as overmixing the dough, neglecting to chill it, using incorrect oven temperatures, or relying on old baking powder. By following these tips and answering frequently asked questions about these delicious treats, you’ll be well-equipped to bake exceptional cookies every time. Remember that practice makes perfect; don’t hesitate to experiment with variations until you find your ideal version of these delightful chocolatey delights!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of homemade Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, where a rich, fudgy center meets a crackled, powdered sugar exterior. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and mix well; stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar before placing on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly cracked but still soft.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Sift cocoa powder for better mixing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie - approximately 30g
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg