Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich and fudgy with a crackled powdered sugar coating that makes them as pretty as they are delicious. Perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving, these cookies are easy to make and yield about two dozen treats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil until well combined.
2. Step 2: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Roll the chilled dough into balls, then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
7. Step 7: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies have spread and cracked, then allow them to cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper chocolate flavor, try using Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa.
• Make sure to chill the dough well; it helps the cookies keep their shape and develop their signature crinkles.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle twist.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies and consistent baking.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh their fudgy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, melted butter can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil. It will give the cookies a richer flavor but may slightly change the texture.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps prevent spreading and creates the classic crinkled appearance when baked.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

Deliciously rich and fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies featuring a soft center and a powdered sugar-coated exterior that cracks to reveal a beautiful crinkly pattern. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a tender, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

• Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Mix Sugars and Cocoa: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil. Stir until well blended to form a smooth base for the dough.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, creating a rich chocolate batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten and maintain a tender cookie.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling solidifies the fats and enhances the structure of the cookies, preventing excessive spreading.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
7. Form and Coat Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into approximately 1-inch balls. Generously roll each ball in powdered sugar to create the classic crinkle effect during baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for a fudgy texture.
9. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely and set their crinkly characteristic.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is crucial for the perfect crinkle texture; do not skip or shorten this step.
• Use parchment paper for easy cookie removal and to prevent burning on the bottoms.
• For thicker cookies, make slightly larger dough balls and bake an extra 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overbaking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Optional: Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor without adding bitterness.

Keywords: chocolate crinkle cookies, fudgy chocolate cookies, crinkle cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate desserts, easy cookie recipe