Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a classic Holiday cookie! Soft and fudgy center, with a crisp outside edge. Rich, decadent, and perfect for any chocolate lover!
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Why these are the best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Quick- you can have these prepared and baked in under 20 minutes
- Simple- the ingredients needed are ones you probably already have on hand
- Flavor Packed- with a soft, fudgy center and crisp edge, these make an incredible sweet treat
- Freezer Friendly- you can make these ahead of time and pull out when ready to enjoy
What is a Crinkle Cookie?
Those crackles on top, with the powdered sugar in between, is why they are called Crinkle Cookies. Since they are rolled in powdered sugar before baking, the cracks form as they puff and spread. Crinkles are a Betty Crocker original cookie from way back. They’re one of those classics that have been made into so many different flavor variations including my Candy Cane version. Crinkles are easy-peasy to throw together and make for a flashy addition to any cookie platter.
What you’ll need for these cookies
Using a few pantry staples, these cookies come together in no time! Scroll below for printable recipe card with full ingredient amounts and directions.
- Vegetable Oil
- Chocolate- unsweetened, melted, and cooled
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract- make sure it is pure versus imitation
- Eggs- room temperature is best
- Flour- all-purpose
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Powdered Sugar
How to make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- In a large bowl, combine the oil, melted chocolate, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time.
- Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cover bowl of cookie dough and chill for about 3-4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a cookie sheet.
- Drop dough by teaspoonful’s into the powdered sugar and roll around until covered.
- Place covered dough onto prepared cookie sheet, making sure cookies are 2 inches apart.
- Place cookie sheet in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.
Pro Tips for the BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Make sure you don’t add too much flour to the cookie dough. Scoop and level to ensure accuracy.
- Don’t rush the dough chilling process, you can make the dough a day earlier and allow to chill overnight if time permits.
- If you like your cookies a bit more fudgy, cook for about 8 -9 minutes, versus the 10-12.
- Make sure you roll the entire cookie through powdered sugar. Another tip is to roll through granulated sugar first, then the powdered sugar.
- Feel free to have fun with these and add in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract for an added flavor boost.
Storing and Freezing
Storing these at room temperature or freezing ensures the freshest crinkle cookie, however, here are some suggestions for storing.
Room Temperature: these will last about 5 days in an airtight container. They will last about 8-9 days if refrigerated in an airtight container.
Freezing once baked: Let cool completely and then add to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for about 3 months.
Recipe FAQ’s
Why aren’t my cookies crinkling? You probably didn’t coat the cookie dough balls in enough powdered sugar. They need to be completely covered after rolling (you shouldn’t be able to see the dough at all). That way when they bake, they will get a good crackle as they spread.
Can I use butter in place of the oil in this recipe? Sure! It will change the texture a bit, but still be a great substitution.
Why is my cookie dough so sticky? This dough is quite sticky, which is why it is very important to chill first. If the dough is too sticky to work with, stick back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes or so.
What else can I use besides powdered sugar to roll the dough in? If you’re not into cookies covered in powdered sugar or icing sugar, then try rolling them in sanding sugar.
Variations to try
Double Chocolate- add in 1 cup mini-chocolate chips for an extra chocolate boost
Peppermint- add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract into the cookie dough OR place a peppermint Hershey kiss into the center of the cookie once baked
Mint- use mint extract in the cookie dough in place or in addition to the vanilla extract
Add In’s- chopped nuts, cherries, or cranberries are all great additions to the cookies.
More Holiday recipes you’ll love
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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 oz chocolate *Unsweetened, melted and cooled
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups flour *all-purpose
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the oil, melted chocolate, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time.
- Gradually stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cover bowl of cookie dough and chill for about 3-4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a cookie sheet.
- Drop dough by teaspoonful’s into the powdered sugar and roll around until covered.
- Place covered dough onto prepared cookie sheet, making sure cookies are 2 inches apart.
- Place cookie sheet in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.
Nutrition
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