Name: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 3 h 31 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 0.5 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Jump to Recipe

If you ever needed a sign that it is time to make chocolate crinkle cookies, this is it. These little sugar-coated, fudgy bites taste like brownies that decided to dress up for a party. And honestly, who can resist that? I baked my first batch of chocolate crinkle cookies on a cold December night, and I still remember how the kitchen smelled like a warm chocolate hug. Ever wanted a dessert that makes you forget your problems for a minute? This recipe does that. 🙂

Before we jump into the tips, tricks, and all the fun stuff, let me tell you this: if you love cookies with soft centers, crisp edges, and a dramatic look, this chocolate crinkle cookie recipe will probably become your new obsession. At least, that is what happened to me.

Why Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Hit Different

Let’s get real for a second. What makes homemade chocolate crinkles so addictive? Ever asked yourself why these cookies feel extra fancy even though they come together pretty easily?

Here is why these cookies win every time:

Crackly tops that make you feel like a pro baker.
Soft fudgy centers with brownie energy.
Rich chocolate flavor that stays bold without being too sweet.
Perfect holiday vibe, especially if you need easy Christmas cookies.
They look impressive without requiring complicated baking magic.

And IMO, that powdered sugar jacket gives them A-list status.

Prep Time

20 minutes plus chilling time

Servings

24 cookies

Nutrition Info per cookie

Calories 120
Fat 4 g
Carbs 19 g
Protein 2 g

Kitchen Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Cooling rack

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
0.5 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Why These Ingredients Matter

Each ingredient plays a big role. For example, oil gives these cookies their signature softness. Ever wondered why they stay fudgy instead of cakey? That is the oil doing its job. And powdered sugar does more than look pretty. It caramelizes slightly during baking, which helps highlight the cracks.

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Whisk the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil in a bowl.
Add the eggs one at a time and mix until smooth.
Add the vanilla and mix again.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir with a spatula.
Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 3 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop the dough into small balls.
Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar.
Place the dough balls on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops crack.
Set the cookies on a rack to cool.

Tips That Actually Make a Difference

You know how some baking tips feel like someone is stating the obvious? These ones matter. Ever wondered why your cookies sometimes spread too much or lose the crinkle look? These fixes help.

Chill Your Dough Long Enough

I chill my dough overnight when I want dramatic cracks. Cold dough holds shape longer in the oven, which means more time for the surface to break open as it expands. Want bigger cracks? Chill more.

Coat Twice

Sometimes I coat the dough balls in powdered sugar twice. Why? The first layer melts slightly. The second layer stays powdery and bright. You get that signature high contrast look. Ever seen crinkles that look more gray than white? That is the missing double coating.

Use High Quality Cocoa

Good cocoa changes everything. You get deeper flavor, richer color, and a more indulgent texture. I tried the cheap stuff once and regretted it immediately. Do not be me on that day.

Troubleshooting Common Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Issues

Every baker runs into cookie drama eventually. Here is how you fix the most common problems.

My cookies did not crack

Your dough was not cold enough. Chill longer next time or make sure your baking powder is fresh.

My cookies spread too much

You likely used warm dough or too much oil. Measure carefully and chill thoroughly.

My cookies turned gray

You did not use enough powdered sugar or used only one coat. Try double coating next time.

They taste cakey

Add a little less flour and avoid overmixing. Overmixing builds too much gluten.

Fun Variations to Try

Ever feel like experimenting a little? These twists stay true to the classic chocolate crinkle cookies recipe but give you something extra.

Peppermint Crinkles

Add crushed peppermint candies to the powdered sugar or mix peppermint extract into the dough. Perfect holiday cookie energy.

Mocha Crinkles

Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder. Coffee always boosts chocolate flavor. Always.

Spicy Crinkles

Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon. Sounds strange until you try it.

Stuffed Crinkles

Drop a mini chocolate chip or caramel candy inside before rolling. When you bite in, you get a surprise molten center.

How to Store Your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

You can store these cookies easily. I keep mine in an airtight container.

Storage tips:

Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for 3 months.
Freeze raw cookie dough balls for 2 months. Coat in powdered sugar after thawing.

Freezing the dough is one of my favorite lazy baker hacks. You pull a batch from the freezer, roll them in sugar, bake, and boom. Fresh cookies whenever you want.

Can You Make These Cookies Gluten Free?

Yes, and they still taste great. Use a good gluten free all purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. Ever tried baking gluten free cookies that turned sandy? That is usually because the blend lacks binding agents.

Final Thought

If you love brownies, adore chocolate, or need easy Christmas cookies that make people gasp a little, this chocolate crinkle cookie recipe belongs in your rotation. These cookies deliver rich flavor, soft centers, and that gorgeous signature crackle every time. And the best part? They feel fancy without being difficult.

Give them a try, experiment with a few variations, and enjoy the moment when someone asks you how you made them look so perfect. Aaaand leave a comment so others can see your baking wins! 😋

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 11 minutes

Additional Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 31 minutes

This chocolate crinkle cookie recipe delivers rich fudgy centers wrapped in crisp powdered sugar shells that crack just enough to tease every bite. Each cookie hits with bold chocolate flavor, melt-in-your-mouth softness, and that irresistible brownie-like chew that makes you reach for another without thinking. One look at those snowy crinkles and you already know you are in trouble in the best way.

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
0.5 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Mix the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil.
Add the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
Add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until the dough forms.
Chill the dough for at least 3 hours.
Heat the oven to 350 F and line baking sheets with parchment.
Scoop the dough, roll each piece in powdered sugar, and place on the sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops crack.
Cool on a rack.