Name: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 egg yolks, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup mini or regular size semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2/3 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of biting into a soft, fudgy cookie coated in a snowy white dusting of sugar — that’s why this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a total game changer. These cookies crackle on top with a delicate crack and hide a tender, chocolaty center that always brings a smile to my face.

A white plate filled with several round chocolate cookies covered with a thick layer of white powdered sugar that cracks to reveal dark brown cookie underneath; the cookies are piled closely together creating a textured, cracked surface pattern; the plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with some powdered sugar scattered around; the lighting is bright and natural, showing the contrast between the rich chocolate and the white sugar photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made loads of chocolate cookie recipes, but this particular Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with those irresistibly crinkled tops. Plus, it’s easier than you think—perfect for baking together with friends or a cozy night in.

Perfect Texture: These cookies bake up soft in the center while having just the right amount of cracking on top to catch the eye and delight the palate.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—just pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough chills beautifully, making it easy to prepare in advance for holidays or last-minute cravings.
Show-Stopping Appearance: That iconic powdered sugar coating cracks open to reveal a rich chocolatey interior, perfect for gift-giving or impressing guests.

A close-up of a cracked chocolate cookie dusted with white powdered sugar, showing a rough, dark brown texture underneath the white layer. The cookie is held on a golden spatula with a shiny surface, with more cookies blurred out in the background on a white marbled surface. The cookie's top is round with deep cracks creating an uneven pattern, and the powdered sugar covers most of the surface except for the cracks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe plays a key role in that ultimate fudgy texture and rich flavor. Choosing good quality cocoa and chocolate chips makes a noticeable difference, and don’t skip chilling the dough!

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a heap of unsweetened cocoa powder on another white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a small white bowl filled with light brown sugar, three tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into neat cubes on a white ceramic plate, two whole uncracked brown eggs, two additional whole uncracked egg yolks in a small white bowl, a small white bowl holding smooth vanilla extract, a small white bowl filled with shiny semi-sweet chocolate chips, a small white bowl of granulated sugar for rolling, and a small white bowl of powdered sugar for rolling, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides structure but keeping the right amount ensures the cookies stay soft not cakey.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: I recommend Dutch-processed for deeper flavor, but natural works well too.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to create those beautiful cracks without puffing the cookies up too much.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Granulated sugar: Essential for crisping the edges and acts as a base coating before powdered sugar for that signature snowy look.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth that keeps the cookie chewy.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature softened butter creamed with sugars creates tender texture and rich flavor.
Eggs and egg yolks: Extra yolks add richness and moisture for fudgy softness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor—don’t skip this little boost.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For melty chocolate pockets and texture contrast throughout.
Granulated sugar and powdered sugar for rolling: The granulated sugar seals in moisture preventing the powdered sugar coating from melting too fast, keeping the cookies looking stunning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe is. You can play with the chocolate chips — swap for chunks, white chocolate, or even dried cherries for a punch of tartness. I've also tried adding a dash of espresso powder to the dough for a subtle mocha twist.

Variation: Adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder amps up the chocolate flavor beautifully without tasting like coffee.
For a gluten-free twist: Use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to keep the richness.
Nutty addition: Stir in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft cookie.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix your dry ingredients with care

I like to whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl or a liquid measuring cup—this makes it so much easier to pour into the wet mix later. Make sure to sift or break up any lumps in the cocoa powder for a smooth dough.

Step 2: Cream butters and sugars until fluffy

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or a bowl and hand mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. It should look light and fluffy—this step is the secret to a tender bite. Scrape the bowl sides often so nothing gets left behind.

Step 3: Add eggs, then slowly combine dry ingredients

Beat in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, making sure to mix thoroughly but not overdo it. Switch to low speed and gradually add the dry mix; this keeps the dough from becoming tough. Fold in the chocolate chips at the end—the dough will be quite thick and a bit sticky, which is just right.

Step 4: Chill time is key

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface to avoid drying out and chill it in the freezer for about 45 minutes to an hour (or in the fridge for 3 hours to 3 days). This step is crucial—it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and enhancing the cookie’s texture.

Step 5: Roll, coat, and bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, portion the dough into balls. Roll each in granulated sugar first (this locks in moisture), then roll between your palms to smooth it out, then roll in powdered sugar, and again between your hands so the sugar fully coats the surface. It looks magical when baked!

Space cookies about 3 inches apart (they spread a bit) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are cracked and edges are set but centers still look soft. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Top Tip

After experimenting many times, I've learned a few tips that really make all the difference for this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe. Trust me, these will save you baking headaches!

Coat with Granulated Sugar First: This stops the powdered sugar from melting too quickly in the oven, keeping that pretty, snowy look longer.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough makes rolling easier and results in better texture post-bake.
Use Room Temperature Eggs and Butter: They incorporate better into the batter to produce a smoother dough.
Chill Dough Between Rolling Batches: Dough softens fast, so keeping it cool means cleaner rolls and prettier cookies.

How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

chocolate crinkle cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping these cookies simple because they’re so beautiful on their own, but for a party, sometimes I add a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving. Or for a fun twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on some before baking—it highlights the chocolate.

Side Dishes

Serve these with a big glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate for indulgence. They’re also fantastic alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to dress things up a bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to stack them in a clear jar tied with a pretty ribbon as a gift. You can also arrange them on a festive platter dusted with cocoa powder or powdered sugar, or sandwich a dollop of whipped cream or Nutella between two cookies for an irresistible treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days—if they last that long! It’s best to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the dough balls and baked cookies with good results. For dough, freeze the rolled balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw and roll in sugar again. Baked cookies freeze well too but expect the powdered sugar coating to soften a bit after thawing.

Reheating

When reheating frozen baked cookies, I microwave them for just a few seconds to bring back that warm, melt-in-your-mouth feeling—watch carefully so they don’t dry out!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies different from regular chocolate cookies?

What sets these cookies apart is the signature crackled powdered sugar coating combined with a chewy, fudgy interior. The chilling step helps create the cracking effect and soft texture, which you don’t get with regular chocolate cookies.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips?

Yes! Dark chocolate chips or chunks can be swapped in for semi-sweet, but keep in mind darker chocolate has a more intense, slightly bitter flavor so it changes the cookie’s taste profile. Adjust sugar levels if preferred.

Why is chilling the dough so important?

Chilling firms up the dough which makes it easier to roll the cookie balls and prevents excessive spreading when baking. It also helps develop the cracks characteristic of crinkle cookies and enhances the overall texture.

How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from melting?

Rolling the dough balls first in granulated sugar before the powdered sugar creates a moisture barrier, which slows down melting of the powdered sugar during baking. Also, avoid storing cookies in humid conditions and consider using specialty non-melting snow sugar for longer-lasting coating.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites to bake for friends and family because it’s reliably delicious, looks stunning, and feels like a little celebration each time you bite in. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I have—there’s just something so warm and satisfying about these chocolatey, crackly delights that everyone deserves to experience.