Chocolate crinkle cookies are soft, chewy little treats with a rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful crackled powdered sugar coating. The first time you bite into one, you get a nice surprise of fudgy center mixed with a slightly crisp outside. They look just as good as they taste—dark brown with snowy white cracks all over, making them perfect for sharing at any time.
I love making these cookies because they’re pretty simple to put together and always impress people. My favorite part is rolling the dough generously in powdered sugar before baking, which gives them that classic crinkle look. It feels special, like a little bit of magic happening right in the oven. Plus, when the smell of chocolate fills the kitchen, it’s hard not to sneak a warm one straight from the baking sheet.
These cookies are great for holidays or just a casual afternoon snack with a glass of milk. I like to pack them up in a tin to share with friends, and they usually disappear fast! Honestly, there’s something so comforting about these chocolate cracks that makes you want to bake a batch again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives structure to the cookies. If you want gluten-free, try an all-purpose gluten-free flour mix instead, but the texture may be a bit different.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, less acidic taste.
Granulated sugar: This sweetens and helps cookies spread. You can swap half for brown sugar if you like a slightly chewier, moister cookie.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and moist. If you prefer, melted butter works too, which will add a bit more buttery flavor.
Powdered sugar (for rolling): This is key for the classic crinkle look. Make sure to coat the cookie balls generously to get that striking contrast after baking.
How Do You Get Those Perfect Cracks on Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
The secret is in the chilled dough and the powdered sugar coating. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate at least 2 hours so the dough firms up—this helps the cookies not to spread too much.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball well in powdered sugar so it cracks during baking to create that snowy look.
- Bake at the right temp: Around 350°F (175°C) gives a good balance between spreading and cracking.
- Don’t overbake: Bake until cookies look set but still soft in the middle for chewy texture.
These steps ensure your cookies have that wonderful crinkled top with a gooey center—exactly what makes them so special!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – handy for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Whisk or electric mixer – helps blend sugar and eggs until smooth.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for portioning dough into even-sized balls.
- Cooling rack – lets cookies cool down evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough to boost the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a bit of crunch and extra texture.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm or spicy twist that pairs nicely with chocolate.
- Swap half of the cocoa powder for melted chocolate to make the cookies richer and fudgier.
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the dough, plus at least 2 hours to chill it (or overnight if you prefer). Baking will take an additional 10 to 12 minutes per batch, and cooling about 5 minutes, so plan for around 2 and a half hours total including waiting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until everything is combined nicely.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Make the Dough:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well each time, until you get a thick and sticky dough.
4. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step makes the dough firm enough to handle and helps create the signature crinkles.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl.
6. Shape and Coat Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
7. Bake:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies have spread and their tops have formed beautiful cracks but are still soft inside.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these soft, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies with a delightful powdery crackle!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls after rolling them in powdered sugar. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Substitute Butter for Vegetable Oil?
Absolutely! Melted butter works well and adds a richer flavor, but it may make the dough less soft. Use the same amount as vegetable oil and mix it in once cooled slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Crinkles Stand Out?
Make sure your dough is well chilled before rolling and coat the dough balls generously in powdered sugar. This contrast between dark dough and white sugar creates the classic crackled look after baking.
