Name: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

What are some of the best chocolate crinkle cookies? I know another cookie recipe, right? Imagine the most decadent brownie you’ve ever had, then picture it transformed into a dessert. What are some of the best poppable cookies? What is dark chocolate underneath? What is it like to eat cookies? I always think of these as the cooler, younger cousin of the classic chocolate brownie, but they aren’t. I like them. But sometimes I prefer them more. What’s the best part about them? What are some of the easiest cookies to make?

What is chocolate crinkle cookies?

Chocolate crinkle cookies, at their heart, are a delightful combination of melted chocolate and chocolatey dough. The mixture of powdered sugar and water is generous. Think of them as the perfect marriage between a fudgy brownie and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. The “crinkle” effect comes from rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking. As cookies bake and spread, the outer layer of sugar cracks, creating a beautiful and unique cookie. What is visual texture? Is it a cookie with an edible work of art? The result is a cookie that’s slightly crisp on the edges, chewy in the middle, and irresistible in taste. I love them because they’re not too sweet, it’s the perfect amount of deliciousness.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are a million reasons to fall in love with this chocolate crinkle Cookies Recipe, but let me give you the highlights:

Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best chocolate cookie recipes? We’re talking deep, dark, and utterly divine. Is lava cake really that good?
Ridiculously EasyDon’t let the fancy look fool you. This recipe is surprisingly simple. I’ve made these with my kids countless times, and they can practically do it themselves (with a little help from my husband). Little supervision, of course.
Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients are pretty standard pantry staples. You probably already have most of them on hand, which makes it a perfect recipe for a last-minute dessert craving.
Seriously Addictive: Okay, maybe this is a downside, but be warned: these cookies are hard to resist! They’re the kind of treat that disappears in minutes at any gathering.

What I love most about this is how reliable this recipe is. I’ve tweaked it over the years, and it’s now foolproof. Compared to other crinkle cookie recipes I’ve tried, this one consistently delivers that perfect balance of fudgy center and crackled exterior. I honestly can’t think of a reason not to make these chocolate crinkle cookies, and I guarantee that anyone you share these with will be asking for the recipe.

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Quick Overview

The secret to these amazing cookies is the chilling time. Don’t skip it! It allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and prevents them from spreading too thin in the oven. Otherwise, it’s a pretty straightforward process: mix the wet and dry ingredients, chill, roll in powdered sugar, and bake! The whole thing from start to finish is actually a fun and pretty simple process.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some examples?

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *softened*, not melted!)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. 1 1/4 cups powdere
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed is my go-to for extra richness)
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (use the good stuff, it makes a difference!)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. Is it a good
2 teaspoons of baking powder. 1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.

For the Coating:

1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling, and honestly, a little extra on the side never hurts!)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is key here – it prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until light and fluffy. Set aside. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can definitely do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious! The goal is to get light and airy, so don’t rush this step. What is the best way to do this?

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. What should I do to make my eggs room temperature? I usually take them out 30 minutes before baking.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a good rise. Don’t skip the whisking!

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry to Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies! I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible and then finish it off by hand.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you can sleep overnight What is a must do! If you chill the dough overnight, the butter will solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.

Step 7: Roll into Balls & Coat in Sugar

Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure it’s completely coated. The more powdered sugar, the more dramatic the crinkles will be!

Step 8: Bake

Place the sugared cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Don’t overbake them! You want them to be fudgy in the middle.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. What is your time to enjoy?

What to Serve It With

What are some good ways to make chocolate crinkle cookies? The next level: what should I do

For Afternoon Delight:Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk (chocolate milk is *chef’s kiss*). What is a classic combination?

For Dessert:Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What is the difference between ice cream and cookies? What is a drizzle of hot fudge?

For Parties: Arrange them on a platter with other cookies and treats for a festive and delicious dessert spread. They always disappear quickly!

For Gift Giving: Package them in a pretty box or tin for a thoughtful and homemade gift. Everyone loves getting cookies!

My family has a tradition of making these every Christmas. They’re always the first to go!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your chocolate crinkle cookies are absolutely perfect:

Don’t Skip the Chilling: Seriously, this is the most important step. If you skip it, your cookies will spread too thin and won’t have those beautiful crinkles. I’ve learned this the hard way!
Use Good Quality Cocoa: The better the cocoa powder, the richer the chocolate flavor. I highly recommend Dutch-processed cocoa for its intense flavor and dark color.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. You want them to be slightly soft in the center.
Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time accordingly. I always start checking them at 10 minutes.
Generously Coat in Powdered Sugar: The more powdered sugar, the more dramatic the crinkles will be. Don’t be shy!
Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of espresso powder, or some chocolate chips to the dough for a unique twist.
Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps all the ingredients combine easily.

I’ve made so many variations of these and they always turn out, so do not be afraid to experiment with this recipe.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make these ahead of time? Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious. If you’re like me and don’t have a suitable container, a Ziploc bag works perfectly fine!

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: For optimal freshness, I recommend glazing the cookies just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The cookies might be slightly more delicate, so handle them with care.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by about 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. I don’t suggest cutting down on the confectioner’s sugar.

Why are my cookies not crinkling?

There could be a few reasons. Make sure you chill the dough for long enough (at least 2 hours). Also, ensure the cookies are generously coated in powdered sugar before baking. If your oven is too hot, the cookies might spread too quickly and not crinkle properly.

Can I use a different type of sugar for coating?

I have not had luck with any other type of sugar. Confectioners sugar, or powdered sugar, is the only ingredient that will create the signature crackle effect!

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add about 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that these chocolate crinkle cookies are one of those recipes that everyone should have in their baking repertoire. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re so fun to make with kids! If you’re looking for a guaranteed chocolate fix that’s both impressive and approachable, look no further. If you love these, you might also enjoy my double Chocolate Chip Cookies or my fudgy brownies! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you try them, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!