Chocolate Crinkle Cookies You’ll Want to Bake All Year Long

Last Updated on November 28, 2025 by Souhail

There’s just something magical about chocolate crinkle cookies. The moment they come out of the oven, all puffed up and coated in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar, they give off major cozy vibes. I remember baking these with my mom during the holidays—we’d sneak warm cookies off the tray, blowing on them so we didn’t burn our tongues. They were chewy, fudgy, and tasted like a brownie and a cookie had a sweet little baby.

But honestly? These aren’t just holiday cookies. I make them year-round because they’re simple, nostalgic, and deeply chocolatey—the kind of treat you want with a cold glass of milk or a strong cup of coffee. Their signature crinkled look is more than just pretty; it’s the result of a sugary crust giving way to a soft, gooey interior. Pure cookie bliss.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, prepping a dessert platter, or just craving something indulgent and chocolate-forward, this recipe is your new best friend. And the best part? No fancy ingredients or equipment needed. Just pantry staples, a little chill time, and a lot of love.

Why These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Are Totally Worth It

Let me tell you, these chocolate crinkle cookies aren’t just beautiful—they’re deceptively simple, ultra rich, and have that irresistible fudgy texture that makes them stand out in any cookie lineup. You know how some cookies are just… okay? These are the opposite of that. They’re the kind of cookies people remember and ask you for the recipe (or sneak a few extras home in a napkin—yes, that’s happened).

Here’s why they work so well:

• Brownie-like Center: Thanks to the balance of cocoa powder, sugar, and oil, these cookies stay soft and rich on the inside. It’s like biting into a chewy brownie wrapped in a powdered sugar jacket.
• Crispy Sugar Shell: Rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking gives them their iconic crinkle look and adds a sweet crunch on the outside.
• No Fancy Tools Needed: Just a bowl, a whisk, and a baking tray. No stand mixer, no chilling overnight—just chill the dough for an hour or two and you’re golden.
• Crowd Pleaser: These cookies are loved by kids and adults alike. They’re especially great for cookie swaps, lunchboxes, or gifting.
• Customizable: Gluten-free? Vegan? Want to jazz them up with peppermint or espresso? I got you (scroll down for variations!).

Want to Get Creative?

If you’ve already baked your way through classic sugar cookies (like these ones) or you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous like pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, this recipe offers a great foundation to play with. Whether you swap the cocoa for dark chocolate or add in some cinnamon for warmth, the core recipe is endlessly adaptable.

How To Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

110

kcal

Soft, rich, and packed with chocolate flavor, these chocolate crinkle cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet crackly finish. A classic holiday cookie that’s always a hit.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 0.25 cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 0.25 tsp salt

• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

• 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Directions

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and oil until the mixture looks glossy and dark, kind of like brownie batter. Add in the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what we want.
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It will get thick—don’t panic! You can switch to a spoon or rubber spatula to bring it together. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
• When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Grab the dough from the fridge—it’ll be firm and easier to handle. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough. Roll each ball first in granulated sugar (this helps the next layer stick), then coat generously in powdered sugar.
• Place the sugar-coated dough balls a couple inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cookies have puffed up and cracked, but still look slightly underbaked in the center.
• Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Try not to eat three of them while they’re still warm… or do. No judgment here.

Notes

• Don’t skip chilling the dough—it makes rolling easier and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
• Rolling in granulated sugar before powdered sugar helps get that bold, dramatic crinkle.
• Slightly underbaking gives the cookies a soft, brownie-like center.
• Use Dutch-process cocoa for a darker color and smoother flavor.
• To keep powdered sugar from absorbing, don’t skip the double sugar roll!
• If freezing, roll dough balls in sugar after thawing, not before.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 110kcal
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 11g
• Protein: 1.5g

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My Pro Tips for the Fudgiest, Most Crinkly Cookies

Over the years, I’ve made these cookies more times than I can count. And while the recipe is simple, a few extra tips make a huge difference between good and can’t-stop-eating-them.

• Chill the Dough: I know, I know. We all want cookies now. But chilling the dough for at least 1 hour (ideally 2) prevents spreading and gives you those deep, defined cracks.
• Double Sugar Roll: First roll the dough in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. This trick helps the powdered sugar stick better and results in that dramatic contrast.
• Scoop Evenly: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to keep the size uniform, so they bake evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: They should still look a little soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• High-Quality Cocoa Matters: Use a good unsweetened cocoa powder (like Dutch-process if you want a richer color and smoother flavor).

Ready to mix it up? Let’s talk variations next!

Variants of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies to Try Next

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can put your own spin on it. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, trying to sneak in a healthier twist, or just craving something a little different, these variations keep things exciting.

1. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking. The cool, minty flavor is absolutely perfect for the holidays—like biting into a chocolatey snowflake! Great for cookie swaps and wintertime cheer.

2. Espresso Chocolate Crinkles

Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the dough. It deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. These are dangerously good with your morning cup of joe and totally sophisticated for grown-up cookie lovers.

3. Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum). The texture stays remarkably chewy and tender. You won’t miss the gluten one bit—I promise.

4. Vegan Chocolate Crinkles

Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, rested for 5 minutes) instead of a regular egg, and substitute the oil with melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Vegan friends will swoon over these!

5. Spiced Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. The subtle heat plays beautifully with the rich cocoa flavor. They’re warm, slightly spicy, and super unique.

6. Pumpkin Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Add ¼ cup of pumpkin purée and reduce the oil slightly to compensate for moisture. You’ll get fall flavors with a chewy twist. Or better yet, if you’re into pumpkin, check out these dreamy pumpkin cookies too!

Serving Suggestions That Make These Cookies Shine

Let’s be real: these cookies are amazing straight off the cooling rack. But if you want to elevate the moment (or impress guests), here are a few creative ideas:

• Cookie Platter Star: Arrange alongside peanut butter cookies and sugar cookies for a beautiful variety.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two cookies and freeze until firm. So indulgent!
• Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar: Serve these cookies with mugs of hot chocolate, whipped cream, and candy cane stirrers.
• Dessert Grazing Board: Add fruit, nuts, dark chocolate, and mini cookies like orange fish cookies for a fun mix-and-match dessert spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips to Keep Them Fresh

These cookies store like a dream—if you can resist eating them all in one day!

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy!
• Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Place in a sealed container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Creative Ways to Use Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

You don’t have to just eat them solo (although no shame in that game). Try these fun ideas to get even more mileage out of your batch:

• Cookie Crust: Crush cookies and mix with melted butter for a killer base for cheesecake or icebox pies.
• Crinkle Cookie Trifles: Layer broken cookies with whipped cream and chocolate pudding in little jars.
• Holiday Gifts: Wrap them in clear bags with a ribbon and a handwritten tag. They’re thoughtful, homemade, and always appreciated.
• DIY Ice Cream Toppings: Crumble and sprinkle over vanilla or chocolate ice cream with fudge sauce. Yes, please.

FAQs About Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Wrapping It Up

There’s just something extra cozy about chocolate crinkle cookies. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or a Tuesday night treat, they’re always the right call. I hope this recipe brings a little sweetness to your kitchen and sparks some new baking traditions. If you loved these, you might also enjoy these pumpkin cookies or classic sugar cookies next.

Happy baking, cookie friends!