Classic Holiday Treats

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These chocolate crinkle cookies combine rich cocoa with a powdered sugar coating that creates beautiful cracks during baking. They're soft, cake-like, and melt in your mouth.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:55 GMT
A stack of three chocolate crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate. Pin it
A stack of three chocolate crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Every winter I find myself reaching for my chocolate crinkle cookie recipe. The way these cookies transform in the oven never fails to amaze me their fudgy centers and snow dusted crackled tops feel like pure magic. My kitchen fills with the most incredible chocolate aroma as they bake making everything feel warm and cozy.

What Makes These Extra Special

These cookies hold such a special place in my heart. That perfect balance of rich chocolate and sweet powdered sugar creates something truly magical. I love how they look so fancy on cookie platters but are actually so simple to make. The way they crackle in the oven always makes me smile.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Flour: A cup and three quarters measured carefully for the perfect texture.
  • Dutch Cocoa: Half a cup gives that deep chocolate flavor I love.
  • Sugars: Both kinds work together for the best taste and texture.
  • Canola Oil: Makes these beauties stay soft for days.
  • Eggs: Two large ones bring everything together.
  • Vanilla: Two whole teaspoons because I love that flavor.
  • Baking Powder: For that perfect chewy texture.
  • Salt: Just a touch makes the chocolate shine.
  • Powdered Sugar: The secret to those beautiful crinkles.

Let's Start Baking

First things first:
Get those dry ingredients whisked together and set them aside.
Time for chocolate:
Mix your cocoa sugars and oil until smooth then add those eggs one by one. A splash of vanilla makes it perfect.
Bringing it together:
Gently mix in your dry ingredients then pop that dough in the fridge to chill.
Rolling in snow:
Scoop and roll your dough balls then give them a generous coating of powdered sugar.
The magic happens:
Into the oven they go watch them transform into beautiful crackly cookies.

My Best Cookie Tips

Don't skimp on that powdered sugar coating more is definitely better here. Keep an eye on them while they bake we want them soft and fudgy. I always do a test cookie first to get the timing just right for my oven.

Keep Them Fresh

These beauties stay perfect for about five days in a sealed container. If you want to freeze them they do wonderfully just remember to put parchment between the layers. They taste just as amazing when they thaw.

Solving Cookie Mysteries

If your cookies ever come out dry double check those flour and cocoa measurements. Using regular cocoa? Add that bit of baking soda it makes such a difference. And if your dough feels too stiff fluff up those dry ingredients before measuring.

Pure Cookie Joy

These chocolate crinkles have become such a treasured part of my baking collection. That perfect combination of fudgy centers and pretty crackled tops makes them impossible to resist. Whether for special occasions or just because they never fail to bring smiles.

A stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, is displayed on a gray plate. Pin it
A stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, is displayed on a gray plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking. This helps maintain their characteristic crinkle appearance.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers for up to 3 months.

→ Why use Dutch-processed cocoa?

Dutch-processed cocoa provides a deeper, richer chocolate flavor and darker color. It also helps create the perfect cake-like texture.

→ How do I get the best crinkle effect?

Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking. The thicker coating creates more dramatic cracks as the cookies spread and rise.

→ Why do a test run with one or two cookies?

A test run helps determine the perfect baking time for your oven and ensures the cookies spread properly before baking a full batch.

Conclusion

These chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a signature powdered sugar coating. Perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies rolled in powdered sugar for a beautiful crackled appearance. These cake-like treats are perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 30 Servings (30 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
04 1 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
05 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar.
06 1/2 cup brown sugar.
07 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil.
08 4 large eggs.
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
10 2/3 cup powdered sugar (for rolling).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment.

Step 02

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl.

Step 03

Mix cocoa, sugars, and oil in medium bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time and add vanilla.

Step 04

Slowly mix flour mixture into chocolate mixture until combined.

Step 05

Cover bowl and refrigerate dough for 30-45 minutes.

Step 06

Roll 1 1/4-inch dough balls and coat heavily in powdered sugar.

Step 07

Place 2-2 1/2 inches apart and bake for 10-11 minutes.

Step 08

Let cookies cool 2 minutes before moving to cooling racks.

Notes

  1. Keep dough chilled between batches.
  2. Don't overbake for soft texture.
  3. Test one cookie first.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Silicone mat or parchment.
  • Cookie scoop.
  • Cooling racks.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 138
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 2 g