Chocolate Crinkle Soft Cookies

Featured in: Happy Bites

These soft chocolate crinkle cookies feature a fudgy interior and a delicate crackled exterior dusted with powdered sugar. The dough, chilled for an hour, ensures a chewy center and crisp edges after baking. Made from cocoa, sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla, they deliver classic rich chocolate flavor. Perfectly balanced between tender and crisp, these treats are easy to prepare and bake in just 10 minutes. Ideal for a sweet snack or dessert, store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:33:00 GMT
Warm, delightful Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, freshly baked with crackled powdered sugar and soft interiors. Save
Warm, delightful Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, freshly baked with crackled powdered sugar and soft interiors. | munchhug.com

Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackled, powdered sugar exterior these classic treats are irresistibly chewy inside and delightfully crisp outside.

I first made these cookies for a family gathering and everyone raved about how moist and flavorful they were.

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.
These chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are pictured, coated in powdered sugar and ready to eat. Save
These chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are pictured, coated in powdered sugar and ready to eat. | munchhug.com

Baking these cookies brings back joyful memories of sharing warm treats with my family during the holidays.

Notes

Use Dutch-process cocoa for deeper flavor Add 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste Store and freeze properly to maintain freshness.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs Manufactured cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy check labels if concerned.

A plate full of perfect, fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a classic American dessert ready for enjoyment. Save
A plate full of perfect, fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, a classic American dessert ready for enjoyment. | munchhug.com

These cookies are perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy chocolate lovers with their rich flavor and texture.

Recipe Guide

What gives the cookies their crackled appearance?

The powdered sugar coating cracks as the dough expands during baking, creating the signature crackled look.

How does chilling the dough affect the texture?

Chilling firms the dough for easier handling and promotes the chewy inside with crisp edges after baking.

Can Dutch-process cocoa powder be used?

Yes, using Dutch-process cocoa enhances the chocolate flavor with a richer, smoother taste.

How should these treats be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Is it possible to intensify the chocolate flavor?

Adding instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients can boost the depth of the chocolate flavor.

Chocolate Crinkle Soft Cookies

Soft, fudgy chocolate treats with a crackled powdered sugar exterior and chewy, crisp texture.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free, No dairy

Components

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

Method

Phase 01

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Phase 02

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, blend sugar and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each. Incorporate vanilla extract.

Phase 03

Integrate dry and wet mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet, mixing until just combined. The dough will be sticky.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Preheat oven and prepare sheets: Set oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 06

Form and coat cookies: Place powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Using a tablespoon, scoop dough portions and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. Roll each in powdered sugar to fully coat.

Phase 07

Arrange on baking sheets: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.

Phase 08

Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and crackled but soft at the center.

Phase 09

Cool cookies: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs.
  • Cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy; verify product labels if allergic.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 90
  • Lipids: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g