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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and beautifully coated in powdered sugar with classic crackled tops. They’re easy to make, perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or anytime you crave a brownie-like chocolate cookie.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
  • 1 tsp espresso powder optional, for deeper chocolate flavor
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  2. In a separate large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until a thick, sticky dough forms. Fold in the espresso powder and mini chocolate chips if using.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes, or until firm enough to roll. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and form better crinkles.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
  7. Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar until fully coated, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up, developed deep cracks on the surface, and look just set around the edges. The centers should still look slightly soft.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!

Notes

For extra dramatic crinkles, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar twice. You can also add peppermint extract for a festive holiday twist or swap mini chips for chopped dark chocolate.