Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are one of those timeless treats that seem to appear on every holiday cookie plate—and for good reason. With their signature crackled appearance, deep chocolate flavor, and soft brownie-like interior, these cookies manage to feel both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for Christmas gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or simply stocking your freezer with seasonal sweets, this recipe guarantees reliable, delicious results every time.
If you’ve never made crinkle cookies before, prepare to fall in love with the process. The dough comes together quickly, chills beautifully, and bakes into picture-perfect cookies dusted in powdered sugar. The striking contrast between the dark chocolate dough and white sugar coating is part of what makes these cookies so visually irresistible. But the true magic happens when you bite into one—they’re soft, chewy, fudgy in the center, and lightly crisped at the edges. In short, everything a holiday cookie should be.
Below, you’ll find the complete step-by-step guide, expert tips, variations, storage instructions, and of course, the detailed recipe.
Let’s dive into this delicious holiday classic!
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
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They look stunning on cookie trays with their snow-dusted cracked tops.
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Easy ingredients—everything is pantry-friendly and budget-friendly.
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Amazing texture—fudgy like a brownie, but with crisp, sugary edges.
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Perfect for holidays—a top cookie-exchange favorite.
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Great for gifting—they pack, store, and ship beautifully.
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Kid-friendly—kids love rolling the dough in sugar.
🎁 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is the ingredient list shown in the image—expanded with explanations so bakers understand exactly what each ingredient does:
Dry Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
Provides the structure that allows the cookies to rise and crack beautifully. -
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Creates the snowy exterior and enhances the crinkle effect. -
½ teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness and boosts the chocolate flavor. -
2 teaspoons baking powder
Essential for achieving those signature cracks on top.
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup vegetable oil
Keeps the cookies soft and moist for days. -
4 large eggs
Bind the dough, add richness, and help create the chewy texture. -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor and deepens the chocolate notes.
Chocolate Components
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4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
The star ingredient! Provides a bold chocolate foundation. -
2 cups granulated sugar
Sweetens the dough and helps develop the crackled texture as the cookies bake.
🍪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Base
Melt the unsweetened chocolate slowly, either in a microwave-safe bowl (in 30-second intervals) or using a double boiler. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly—adding it too hot may scramble the eggs.
