Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These chocolate crinkle delights feature a rich, fudgy center wrapped in a crackled powdered sugar exterior. Achieving a soft and chewy texture, they're chilled before baking to develop signature cracks. Simple ingredients like cocoa, sugar, and vanilla come together to create a comforting sweet perfect for the holidays or a cozy winter day. Baking requires minimal time and yields about two dozen treats that pair well with coffee or dessert wine.

Preparation includes mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, chilling the dough thoroughly, and baking until just soft inside with a crackled top. Storing in an airtight container preserves freshness. Optional additions like espresso powder deepen the chocolate notes, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:30:00 GMT
Fudgy, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to savor. Pin It
Fudgy, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to savor. | cedaroven.com

A classic holiday treat featuring a rich, fudgy chocolate center and a crackled, powdered sugar exterior. Soft and chewy with irresistible chocolate flavor—perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter days.

This recipe reminds me of cozy winter afternoons baking with family, filling the home with a warm chocolate aroma.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Coating: 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
Step 3:
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 6:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7:
Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls.
Step 8:
Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
Step 9:
Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Step 10:
Bake for 11–13 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the center.
Step 11:
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Close-up of freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, smelling of rich cocoa and vanilla bean. Pin It
Close-up of freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, smelling of rich cocoa and vanilla bean. | cedaroven.com

Baking these cookies has always been a cherished tradition in our family, bringing everyone together during the holidays.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Pairs well with coffee, milk, or dessert wine.

Tools Needed

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or hand whisk, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack.

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, Wheat (Gluten). May contain traces of nuts or soy if using processed ingredients. Double-check labels if concerned.

Warm Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a classic American dessert, perfect for sharing with friends. Pin It
Warm Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a classic American dessert, perfect for sharing with friends. | cedaroven.com

These chocolate crinkle cookies are sure to become your new holiday favorite with their perfect balance of fudgy and crackled textures.

Recipe FAQs

How do I get the signature crackled surface?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking and rolling each portion in powdered sugar helps create the distinctive crackled appearance as it bakes.

Can I enhance the chocolate flavor?

Adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients intensifies the chocolate notes without overpowering the sweetness.

What is the best way to store these treats?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness and softness.

Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, the ingredients include no meat or gelatin, making them appropriate for a vegetarian lifestyle.

What texture can I expect from these cookies?

They offer a soft and chewy center with a delicate crackled exterior coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

What tools do I need to prepare these treats?

Basic kitchen items like mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups, baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and a wire rack are needed.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft, fudgy chocolate treats with a crackled sugar coating, ideal for holiday gatherings and cozy moments.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
12 min
Overall Time
32 min
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating

01 1/2 cup powdered sugar

How To Make It

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: Beat granulated sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until well combined.

Step 03

Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Chill dough: Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

Step 06

Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 07

Form dough balls: Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls.

Step 08

Coat with powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.

Step 09

Arrange on baking sheets: Place coated balls on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 10

Bake: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until cookies are puffed and crackled but remain soft in the center.

Step 11

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Info

Review all items for potential allergens. If needed, ask a medical expert.
  • Contains eggs and gluten (wheat)
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on ingredient processing

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details given for reference only—contact your doctor for personal advice.
  • Caloric Value: 85
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 1 g