Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Name: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Author: Tessa

Published: July 7, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have been a staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember, especially around the holidays. There’s something truly magical about these cookies – the way the dark, rich chocolate peeks through a snowy blanket of powdered sugar, creating those signature crinkles. My journey with baking started with a batch of these beauties, gifted to me by a neighbor when I was just a little girl. I remember being utterly captivated by their appearance and then completely won over by their soft, chewy texture and intense chocolate flavor. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for baking, and I’ve spent years perfecting this classic recipe to share with all of you. Trust me, these aren’t just any cookies; they’re a little piece of edible joy, and I’m so excited to guide you through making the best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies you’ve ever tasted.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

You’re going to fall head over heels for these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for so many reasons! They truly hit all the right notes:

Incredibly Soft & Chewy: Forget dry, crumbly cookies. These are wonderfully moist with a perfect chew.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: Made with plenty of cocoa, they deliver a deep, satisfying chocolate experience in every bite.
Surprisingly Easy to Make: Don’t let their fancy appearance fool you; the steps are straightforward and require no special skills.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From a cozy night in to a festive holiday party, these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies always impress.
That Signature Crinkled Look: Visually stunning, they’re always a conversation starter and look beautiful on any dessert platter.

The Irresistible Charm of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

The unique contrast between the deep, dark chocolate interior and the snowy, cracked powdered sugar exterior is what gives Chocolate Crinkle Cookies their iconic appeal. It’s a classic for a reason – they’re not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your eyes, making them an instant favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Creating truly perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies starts with having the right ingredients on hand. I’ve found that using good quality ingredients makes all the difference in the final taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter to the lift from the baking powder, ensuring those beautiful crinkles and that irresistible chew. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need, with a little explanation of why each one is important for your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create that tender crumb. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with crisp edges and a chewy center.
2 large eggs: Act as a binder, adding moisture and richness to the dough.
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookie, giving it body and chewiness.
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the show, delivering that deep, intense chocolate flavor.
2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and achieve their characteristic crinkled look.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to the dough, contributing to the soft texture.
1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling: The key to those beautiful, snowy crinkles on your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!

Wet Ingredients for Your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

The wet ingredients are the foundation of your dough’s moisture and richness. You’ll want 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to cream easily, along with 2 cups granulated sugar. Don’t forget 2 large eggs for binding and structure, and 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract to deepen the flavor of your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.

Dry Ingredients for Delicious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

For the dry components, gather 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate taste, 2 teaspoons baking powder for lift, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance everything out. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure even distribution in your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dough.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Making delicious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies is simpler than you might think, but following these steps carefully will ensure you get those perfect, snowy crinkles and a wonderfully soft cookie every time. I’m going to walk you through each part of the process, from mixing the dough to getting them perfectly baked, so you can confidently create a batch that will impress everyone. Remember, baking is all about precision and a little bit of patience, especially when it comes to chilling the dough for these beauties!

We’ll start with combining your ingredients, move on to the crucial chilling phase, and then guide you through shaping, coating, and finally baking your cookies to perfection. Pay close attention to the timing, as it’s key to achieving that signature texture and appearance. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot; I’ve broken it down so it’s easy to follow along and get fantastic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.

Preparing the Dough for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

First, in a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy – this usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the alcohol-free vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined. Now, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling step is absolutely essential for firm dough and those beautiful crinkles!

Baking and Cooling Your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Once your dough is nicely chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll them into smooth balls, and then generously coat each ball in powdered sugar. Make sure they are completely covered! Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes; the edges should be set but the centers still slightly soft for that perfect chew. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain the delicate crinkles.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - detail 2

Tips for Success with Your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Achieving those picture-perfect, deeply crinkled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies isn’t hard, but a few pro tips will make all the difference. First, do not overmix your dough once the flour is added; overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies. Mix until just combined. Second, and perhaps most crucial, is proper dough chilling. Refrigerating for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, makes the dough easier to handle and ensures the powdered sugar adheres better, creating more pronounced crinkles. Finally, pay attention to baking time: 10-12 minutes is usually perfect. The centers should still look slightly soft when you pull them out; they’ll set as they cool, giving you that wonderfully chewy texture and ensuring those delicate crinkles stay intact.

Serving and Storing Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are best served at room temperature, perhaps with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready for another delicious chocolate treat!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

I get a lot of questions about these delightful Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, and I’m happy to share some common insights to help you perfect your batch. Whether you’re wondering about making them in advance, getting those signature crinkles to form, or even ingredient swaps, I’ve got you covered. These little troubleshooting tips will ensure your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies turn out beautifully every single time, making them a stress-free addition to your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into some of the most common queries!

Can I make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days. This actually helps develop the flavor and makes the dough easier to handle for rolling.

Why aren’t my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies crinkling?

The most common reasons are not chilling the dough enough, or not rolling them generously enough in powdered sugar. The cold dough helps the sugar adhere, and a thick coating prevents the chocolate from showing through too early, allowing those beautiful crinkles to form as they bake.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Please note that the nutritional values provided for these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are estimates only. They can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, exact portion sizes, and any substitutions made. This information is intended as a general guide, not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

Share Your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Experience

I absolutely adore hearing from you! Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these amazing Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, please come back and tell me all about it in the comments below. Did they bring smiles to faces? Did you get those perfect crinkles? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your baking successes on social media using #MySweetHomeKitchen. I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!