The Fluffiest Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Chocolate crinkle cookies bring pure magic into your kitchen with their mesmerizing powdered sugar-dusted appearance.

Sweet memories of grandma’s baking instantly flood back when these delightful treats emerge from the oven.

Crisp exterior and soft, fudgy centers create a delectable contrast that makes everyone smile.

Dark cocoa powder gives these cookies their rich, intense flavor profile.

Perfectly rolled and generously coated in confectioners’ sugar, each cookie looks like a winter landscape.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.

Bake these and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Reasons to Love Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Craft Indulgent Chocolate Treats: Dive into a delightful baking adventure that transforms simple ingredients into rich, decadent chocolate cookies with a magical powdered sugar coating.
• Master Impressive Baking Skills: Learn a professional-level technique that creates stunning crackled cookies, perfect for impressing friends and family with minimal culinary expertise.
• Create Versatile Dessert Perfection: Enjoy a recipe that works beautifully for casual family gatherings, elegant dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or just satisfying sudden chocolate cravings.
• Customize with Creative Twists: Experiment by adding espresso powder for depth, adjusting sugar levels, or incorporating different extracts to make these cookies uniquely yours.

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the chocolate crinkle cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Canola Oil: Provides moisture and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the chocolate.

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Espresso Powder: Deliver deep chocolate flavor and intensify the richness of the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates the signature crinkle effect and adds a sweet, snowy coating to the exterior of the cookies.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Whisking Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until perfectly blended. Set this bowl aside for later magic.

Step 2: Creating Sugar Blend

Using a stand mixer or large bowl, combine granulated sugar and canola oil. Whip these ingredients at medium-high speed until they transform into a smooth, silky mixture.

Step 3: Mixing Chocolate Base

Sprinkle in unsweetened cocoa powder and optional espresso powder. Mix thoroughly, scraping bowl sides to ensure every bit gets incorporated into the rich chocolate base.

Step 4: Introducing Liquid Goodness

Pour in vanilla extract, then crack eggs one at a time. Beat each egg completely before adding the next, creating a luxurious and smooth chocolate mixture.

Step 5: Merging Flour Mixture

Slowly fold the reserved dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add in two or three batches, mixing on low speed.

Gently scrape bowl sides to create a consistent dough.

Step 6: Chilling Cookie Dough

Transfer dough to an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for four hours or freeze for one hour until firm and ready for rolling.

Step 7: Preparing Baking Station

Heat oven to 350℉.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, creating the perfect surface for cookie magic.

Step 8: Rolling in Sweet Dust

Pour powdered sugar into a shallow bowl.

Scoop chilled dough and roll into balls. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, placing them two inches apart on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Baking to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overcooking and maintain that soft, delightful texture.

Step 10: Cooling Cookies

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their signature crinkly appearance.

Step 11: Storing Deliciousness

Once cooled, stack cookies in an airtight container, preserving their incredible flavor and texture for future enjoyment.

Expert Tips to Perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth during baking.
• Use fresh cocoa powder for rich, intense chocolate taste and optimal texture.
• Coat dough balls generously in powdered sugar to create classic crinkle cookie appearance.
• Avoid overbaking to maintain soft, fudgy center and prevent dry, crumbly cookies.
• Try espresso powder to boost chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

Delicious Twists on Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of canola, and select dairy-free cocoa powder to create a plant-based alternative.
• Espresso-Enhanced Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Increase espresso powder quantity or add coffee extract for a more pronounced coffee undertone that intensifies the chocolate complexity.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the classic cookie texture.

Best Pairings with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• Blend the rich chocolate and espresso notes of the cookies with a smooth, chilled martini made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a touch of chocolate syrup for an indulgent adult pairing.
• Complement the intense chocolate flavor with a warm, velvety vanilla latte that balances the cookie's deep cocoa taste and provides a comforting contrast.
• Top a scoop of salted caramel ice cream alongside these cookies to create a delightful interplay of sweet, salty, and chocolatey textures that enhance the overall dessert experience.

Storing Tips to Keep Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Fresh

• Seal cooled chocolate crinkle cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful flavor.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring cookies remain fresh and delicious when thawed.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power to restore softness. Alternatively, place cookies on baking sheet and reheat in preheated 300℉ oven for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to develop. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll into balls, resulting in more uniform cookies with a better texture.

• Can I use different types of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa provides a more classic chocolate taste.

• What gives these cookies their signature crackled appearance?

The crinkle effect comes from rolling the cold dough balls in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies bake, they spread and crack, creating the distinctive crinkle look with white powdered sugar showing through the dark chocolate surface.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible chocolate crinkle cookies combine rich cocoa and powdered sugar for a delightful dessert. Crisp edges and fudgy centers make these classic treats perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet moments with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (including ⅓ cup Dutch process cocoa and ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, ensuring a uniform dry mixture. Set aside for later use.
2. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously combine granulated sugar and canola oil until the texture becomes smooth and well-blended.
3. Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder and optional espresso powder into the sugar-oil mixture. Mix thoroughly, scraping bowl sides to ensure complete integration.
4. Add vanilla extract, then introduce eggs one at a time, beating meticulously after each addition to create a consistent, silky batter.
5. Gradually fold the reserved flour mixture into the wet ingredients using low-speed mixing. Blend until just combined, preventing overmixing.
6. Chill the dough in a sealed container for 4 hours in the refrigerator or 1 hour in the freezer until firm and manageable.
7. Heat the oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for optimal cookie release.
8. Pour powdered sugar into a shallow dish. Form chilled dough into 1 ½ tablespoon balls, rolling each completely in powdered sugar. Arrange balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overcooking while maintaining a soft, crackled exterior.
10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, maintaining their delicate texture and rich chocolate flavor.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect crinkle texture during baking.
• Use fresh cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor and vibrant dark color in your cookies.
• Sift powdered sugar before rolling to create a smoother, more even coating on the cookie surface.
• Experiment with alternative flours like gluten-free blends for those with dietary restrictions, adjusting liquid ratios slightly to maintain cookie consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 101 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg