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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy chocolate cookies rolled in powdered sugar before baking to create their signature crackled finish. With crisp edges and a soft, chewy center, they're a classic homemade treat that's perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or anytime you crave chocolate.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, classic-american
Servings 30 people
Calories 145 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small cookie scoop
  • Two small bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder optional

For Rolling

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix the cocoa, sugar, and oil

  • Place the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl.
  • Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks dark, thick, and evenly combined.
  • Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure no dry cocoa remains.

Step 2: Add the eggs and vanilla

  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • The mixture should become smoother and slightly glossy as the eggs are added.

Step 3: Finish and chill the dough

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and optional espresso powder.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture. Mix on low speed only until no dry flour remains.
  • Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. The dough needs to become firm enough to scoop and roll.

Step 4: Prepare the oven and coatings

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • Place the granulated sugar in one small bowl and the powdered sugar in another.

Step 5: Shape and coat the cookies

  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of chilled dough for each cookie.
  • Roll the dough between your palms to form a smooth ball.
  • Roll each ball lightly in granulated sugar first, then coat it generously in powdered sugar. The first sugar layer helps the powdered sugar remain visible after baking.
  • Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake the cookies

  • Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes.
  • The cookies should look puffed and cracked, with set edges and soft centers.
  • Do not wait until the centers appear completely dry. They will continue setting as they cool on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Cool and serve

  • Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer them carefully to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
  • Serve once cooled, or store them in an airtight container after the powdered sugar coating has set.
Keyword Chocolate Crinkle Cookies