Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Desserts

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 19 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings 12 cookies

Jump to Recipe

Last updated on January 26, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream come true. They’re soft, gooey, fudgy, and take just 10 minutes to prep!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients Needed:
  • How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • Crinkle Cookie FAQs
  • Tips and Notes
  • More Chocolate Cookies You’ll Love
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are one of my all time favorites! They are fun and festive for the holidays but not so festive that you can’t enjoy them year round.

This Chocolate Crinkle Cookie recipe is special because they’re not like the other crinkle cookie recipes. They actually start with a base of melted chocolate and oil. Why, you ask? Because it creates the absolute richest, fudgiest cookie you could ever ask for.

Is your mouth watering yet?

If you love chocolatey cookies, then try out my 4 Ingredient Double Chocolate Cookies, Mom’s Double Chocolate Cookies, or Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies!

Ingredients Needed:

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (3)
  • Chocolate: use your favorite chopped chocolate or chocolate chips.
  • Oil: mixed with the melted chocolate for a silky smooth texture and super fudgy cookies.
  • Brown Sugar: using brown sugar takes care of the sweetness and makes the cookies super soft and chewy.
  • Eggs: help the cookies hold their shape.
  • Vanilla Extract: adds flavor depth.
  • All-Purpose Flour: gives the cookies structure. Make sure you spoon and level or weigh the flour!
  • Powdered Sugar: we’re putting powdered sugar in the cookie dough and using it to roll the dough in before baking.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: for extra chocolatey flavor.
  • Baking Powder: helps the cookies rise a bit in the oven.
  • Salt: cuts the sweetness.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (4)

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are so simple to put together. Full instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

  1. Melt chocolate with oil: Combine chocolate and oil in a bowl, then microwave until melted. Set aside.
  2. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Add the dry ingredients: Add in flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then mix until combined.
  4. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge or freezer.
  5. Roll into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
  6. Bake: Bake until puffed and nicely spread — it’s okay if they look slightly undone in the center because they will set as they cool.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (5)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (6)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (7)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (8)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (9)
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (10)

Crinkle Cookie FAQs

Why are my Crinkle Cookies not crinkling?

The secret to crinkling is the leavening agent. You want the dough to rise up enough as the cookies bake that it puffs up in the oven. When the cookies cool off, they’ll sink in the middle which is what causes that “crinkling” effect. So, make sure you use baking powder that isn’t expired!

Why are my Chocolate Crinkle Cookies flat?

Okay, if your crinkle cookies came out flat, ask yourself these two questions: 1) Did I chill the dough? and 2) Did I weigh my flour? Chilling the dough is super important to make it easy to handle and so the dough can maintain it’s shape better in the oven. Do not skip this step! Weighing the flour will ensure that the cookies are perfectly thick and fudgy.

Why are my Crinkle Cookies dry?

There could be a couple of reasons you ended up with dry cookies. Here are some steps you can take to prevent that from happening! First, measure the flour accurately. Either spoon and level the flour off so it doesn’t get too packed in OR weigh it for the most accurate measurement. You’ll need 130 grams.

How to store:

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for a couple of weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve again, thaw in the fridge if frozen or warm in the microwave.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (11)

Tips and Notes

  • Line the baking sheets. Lining with parchment paper or a baking mat not only makes for easy cleanup, but also prevents the cookies from spreading way too much.
  • Chill the dough. Before chilling, the dough will be very sticky and difficult to handle. Make sure you chill it for about 1 hour in the fridge or 10-15 minutes in the freezer. This also helps prevent spreading.
  • Place the cookies 2 inches apart. These cookies will naturally spread just a little bit no matter what. Make sure you leave space so they don’t run into each other.
  • Roll the dough in sugar. The powdered sugar coating adds extra sweetness, but it also adds contrast so you can really see the crinkling effect.
  • If you prefer flatter cookies, scoop the dough, then flatten the dough balls slightly before coating them in sugar.

More Chocolate Cookies You’ll Love

Desserts

4 Ingredient Double Chocolate Cookies (Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies)

Desserts

Mom’s Double Chocolate Cookies

Desserts

Chocolate Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Desserts

Triple Chocolate Pudding Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (16)

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin this recipe to your favorite board

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 19 votes

These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a chocolate lover's dream come true. They're soft, gooey, fudgy, and take just 10 minutes to prep!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (18)

Save

Review

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Servings 12 cookies

Calories 220cal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (3 oz or 90 grams)
  • ¼ cup canola oil (50 grams or 11.8 oz)
  • ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed (80 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all purpose flour (130 grams)
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar (80 grams)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine chocolate and oil. Microwave on high for 40 seconds and stir until melted (pop it back in the microwave for a short time if necessary). Set aside to cool slightly.

  • In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, eggs and vanilla.

  • Add melted, slightly cooled chocolate and mix until combined.

  • Add flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt and mix until combined.

  • The dough will be very sticky, like a very thick brownie batter so it does need to chill. Cover with plastic wrap and chill just until workable (you don't want it too firm), about 1 hour in the fridge or 10-15 minutes in the freezer.

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

  • Scoop cookies with a 2-3 tablespoon cookie scoop, roll in powdered sugar, and place on parchment lined baking sheets at least 2 inches apart (I like to bake 6-9 per pan).

  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on how large your cookies are. They may be slightly puffed in the centers but will deflate slightly as they cool. If you like your cookies thinner, simply scoop your cookie and then flatten slightly before coating in powdered sugar.

  • Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pans to cool completely.

Notes

Notes:

  • Line the baking sheets. Lining with parchment paper or a baking mat not only makes for easy cleanup, but also prevents the cookies from spreading way too much.
  • Chill the dough. Before chilling, the dough will be very sticky and difficult to handle. Make sure you chill it for about 1 hour in the fridge or 10-15 minutes in the freezer. This also helps prevent spreading.
  • Place the cookies 2 inches apart. These cookies will naturally spread just a little bit no matter what. Make sure you leave space so they don’t run into each other.
  • Roll the dough in sugar. The powdered sugar coating adds extra sweetness, but it also adds contrast so you can really see the crinkling effect.
  • Prefer thinner cookies? These cookies are thick, rich and fudgy. If you like your cookies thinner, simply scoop your cookie and then flatten slightly before coating in powdered sugar.

Storing:

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies will last in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for a couple of weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve again, thaw in the fridge if frozen or warm in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 220cal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords chocolate crinkle cookies

Want to save this recipe?

Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.

Register Now

Tried this recipe?

Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel —
I love to see what you’re making!

Tag @thereciperebel
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (19)

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Read More

You May Also Like

Desserts

French Silk Pie (easy method)

Fall/Winter

Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe (7 ingredients!)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Victoria Ryder says

    This is sort of like if a brownie and fudge had a baby. I thought I had underbaked the cookies until I looked at the photo on line and saw the gooey middle. They taste fantastic. I do think I’ll make them a tat bit smaller. I had 16 cookie and I’m sure I could make them small enough to make 20 or more. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  2. Susie says

    Great recipe. Thanks

    Reply

  3. Pam says

    I make this all the time, not just for Xmas
    I make up the mixture n leave it in the fridge overnight, that’s what the recipe I use says to do!! The longer in fridge the better!!!
    Everyone loves them !!!

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Great to hear Pam!

      Reply

  4. Pamela Bayly says

    Crinkle

    Reply

  5. Phil Douglas says

    Where did the moms chocolate chip go? I would love to have the recipe! <3

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Here you go Phil! https://www.thereciperebel.com/moms-chocolate-chip-cookies/

      Reply

  6. Rebecca says

    Made these today and they were divine! My family really enjoyed them as well. Rolling them in the powdered sugar was the perfect touch! They almost look too perfect to eat! Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Rebecca! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

    • Chris says

      I made this right after Thanksgiving and they were soook good. I made them exactly as directed and they turned out very fudgy which surprised me a bit. They were very rich. Next time, I would probably bake them for 12-14 minutes to have more of a traditional cookie texture.

      Reply

  7. Beverly says

    These cookies are the absolute best chocolate cookies. So easy to make and look so pretty. Im so happy I made them for Christmas. I will bake them frequently since many chocolate lovers are in the family.

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Beverly! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

  8. Kelly says

    How many cookies does this make?

    Reply

  9. Dolly says

    My cookies weren’t sticky. I measured the flour should I use less. They are good just not like yours

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Dolly! I’m not sure why it wouldn’t be sticky. The amount that is used in the recipe is correct.

      Reply

  10. Olga says

    Great recipe! I make them with gluten-free flour and they turn out fine.

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Olga! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

  11. Cheryl Burden says

    These are really delicious as well as pretty! Using a small scoop, these were still messy to make even after refrigerating the dough for recommended time. Maybe I’ll try longer next time. I did roll them in granulated sugar before the powdered sugar, which did make them very pretty when they crinkled!

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Cheryl! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

  12. Karen weblin says

    Can I freeze the dough prior to baking? What would work best in your opinion

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Karen! I haven’t tried it before myself, but I believe you can.

      Reply

Leave A Reply

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

Why are my crinkle cookies not crinkling? ›

While we found that multiple factors can affect how quickly the top dries out and thus how many cracks are formed (including the temperature of the dough and how rapidly it spreads in the oven), a simple tweak turned out to be key to producing a maximum number of fissures: rolling the balls of dough in granulated sugar ...

Why didn't my crinkle cookies crack? ›

Why didn't my chocolate crinkle cookies crack? The most common reason for cookies that don't crack is either that the oven was not hot enough or the baking powder was expired.

Why do you chill crinkle cookie dough? ›

These traditional Christmas cookies are a cut above the rest because they're as rich and fudgy as brownies. Chilling the cookie dough is important because it helps the flavors to develop, prevents spreading, and makes the otherwise sticky cookie dough easy to handle.

How do you make cookies softer instead of crunchy? ›

Baking cookies quickly in a hot oven – at 375 degrees F as opposed to a lower temperature – will make for soft results. They'll bake fast instead of sitting and drying out in the oven's hot air. Ever so slightly underbaking your cookies will give you softer results than cooking them the full amount the recipe says.

How do I make my cookies chewy instead of crunchy? ›

How To Make Cookies Chewy Without Cornstarch
  1. Go heavy on brown sugar. It has more moisture than its granulated counterpart, which means the cookie comes out less crispy. ...
  2. Choose margarine or shortening instead of butter. ...
  3. Use baking powder instead of baking soda. ...
  4. Rest your dough. ...
  5. Shorten baking time.
May 14, 2023

How do you keep powdered sugar from melting on crinkle cookies? ›

How to Prevent the Powdered Sugar from Melting. The trick is to coat the dough with granulated sugar first, and then with powdered sugar. This way, the granulated sugar draws out moisture from the surface to create that crinkled exterior while the powdered sugar remains on top.

Why are my crinkles not spreading? ›

This is down to the ratio of ingredients in the dough, mainly. There is a high proportion of dry ingredients (i.e. flour, cocoa powder, ground almonds) to liquid ingredients (eggs, butter). This results in a drier dough which stops the cookies from spreading when baked.

How do I get my cookies to crack? ›

The means that as the cookie expands, it starts to crack the dry surface. For this to happen, you need to dry the surface of the cookie by coating them in sugar, use sufficient leavening for the cookie to rise, and bake in a hot oven.

Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder? ›

Baking powder is made of baking soda plus cream of tartar and cornstarch. Baking powder can be substituted for baking soda by tripling the amount of baking powder. Baking soda can be substituted for baking powder by dividing the amount of baking powder needed by 4 and adding twice that amount of cream of tartar.

What are crunchy cookies called? ›

Most English-speaking countries call crunchy cookies "biscuits", except for the United States and Canada, where "biscuit" refers to a type of quick bread. Chewier biscuits are sometimes called "cookies" even in the United Kingdom. Some cookies may also be named by their shape, such as date squares or bars.

What is chocolate crinkles made of? ›

They're cake-like cookies made with unsweetened cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and a handful of other pantry staple ingredients. Before baking, the cookies are coated in confectioners' sugar. When they bake up, they end up with a cracked (or "crinkled") effect.

What happens if you don t chill chocolate chip cookie dough? ›

Popping your dough in the fridge allows the fats to cool. As a result, the cookies will expand more slowly, holding onto their texture. If you skip the chilling step, you're more likely to wind up with flat, sad disks instead of lovely, chewy cookies. Cookies made from chilled dough are also much more flavorful.

Is powdered sugar the same as confectioner? ›

Powdered sugar is similar to confectioners' sugar but without the cornstarch. Because the words are often mistaken for each other, you will even find "powdered sugar" in the grocery store that is actually confectioners' sugar.

Why are my chocolate crinkles flat? ›

There are two reasons why your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies came out flat. Either the dough wasn't chilled or you didn't use enough flour. Make sure to properly measure flour by scooping it into your measuring cup and leveling off the top.

Why are my cookies not puffing up? ›

If the butter is any warmer, it won't incorporate enough air and your cookies will have less rise. Moreover, butter that's warmer than room temperature melts in an instant in the oven, encouraging the dough to spread quickly with it.

Why are my cookies not firming up? ›

Here are some common reasons: Underbaking: Cookies might not have been baked long enough. Ensure you follow the recommended baking time in the recipe and adjust based on your oven's characteristics. Too much moisture: Excess moisture, either from ingredients like eggs or butter, can result in soft cookies.

Why do my cookies not stay crispy? ›

Summer, though welcomed for the sun and fun, also brings humidity that makes your cookies limp -- not so fun. Keep those cookies crisp by storing them in an airtight container. Some people toss a piece of bread in with the cookies to help absorb any excess moisture.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5653

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.