Soft fudgy chocolate crinkle

Featured in: Desserts for a Crowd

These chocolate crinkle cookies feature a soft, fudgy interior contrasted by a crisp, crackled exterior dusted with powdered sugar. Made by combining cocoa, flour, and sugar with eggs and vanilla, the dough chills before baking to develop rich flavor and texture. With a tender and chewy bite, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey for any dessert craving.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:47:53 GMT
Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a powdered sugar coating, perfect for a sweet dessert. Save It
Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a powdered sugar coating, perfect for a sweet dessert. | zetluna.com

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a timeless American dessert loved for their fudgy, soft centers and delightfully crackled powdered sugar exteriors. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of chewiness and crispness, making them irresistible for chocolate lovers and a fantastic treat to bake at home with ease.

Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a powdered sugar coating, perfect for a sweet dessert. Save It
Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a powdered sugar coating, perfect for a sweet dessert. | zetluna.com

Whether you're preparing these cookies for a festive occasion, a cozy afternoon snack, or a quick dessert, their rich chocolate flavor and charming crackled look never fail to impress. This recipe blends convenience with classic taste, ensuring a batch of cookies everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients
    • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients
    • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Rolling
    • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
Step 2
In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. The dough will be sticky.
Step 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm enough to handle.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6
Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch/2.5 cm in diameter). Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
Step 7
Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 8
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the centers.
Step 9
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Chilling the dough is essential to develop the chewy texture and to prevent spreading during baking. Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar creates the signature crackled look and adds a touch of sweetness to each bite.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For deeper chocolate flavor, substitute regular cocoa powder with Dutch-process cocoa. Adding 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder enhances the richness without adding a coffee taste. You can also experiment by incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.

Serviervorschläge

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. Serve them on a festive platter during holidays, or package them as homemade gifts for friends and family.

Warm, crackly Chocolate Crinkle Cookies fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy with a glass of milk. Save It
Warm, crackly Chocolate Crinkle Cookies fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy with a glass of milk. | zetluna.com

This classic recipe brings both nostalgia and convenience to your kitchen. With straightforward steps and reliable results, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are sure to become a favorite treat, perfect for sharing and savoring any time of the year.

Common Questions About Recipes

What gives the cookies their crackled appearance?

The powdered sugar coating cracks during baking as the dough spreads and rises, creating the signature crackled surface.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa for a richer taste?

Yes, Dutch-process cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cookies.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helps develop texture and flavor during baking.

How do I ensure the cookies stay soft inside?

Baking until just puffed and crackled but still soft in the center preserves their chewy texture.

Can these cookies be stored after baking?

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer preservation.

Soft fudgy chocolate crinkle

Soft, fudgy chocolate crinkles with a crackled powdered sugar coating and chewy centers.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Desserts for a Crowd

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 24 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly, Lactose-Free

The Ingredients You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 02

Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix granulated sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Form Dough: Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Dough will be sticky.

Step 04

Chill Dough: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour until dough is firm enough to handle.

Step 05

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 06

Shape Cookies: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar.

Step 07

Arrange Dough Balls: Space dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are puffed and crackled but remain soft in the center.

Step 09

Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or wooden spoon
  • Plastic wrap
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs
  • Cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 90
  • Fats: 3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 1 grams