Soft Fudgy Chocolate Crinkles

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

These chocolate crinkles feature a soft and fudgy interior wrapped in a crisp, crackled powdered sugar crust. Combining cocoa powder with simple dry ingredients, the dough chills before being rolled in sugar and baked to perfection. The result is a chewy bite complemented by a delicate crisp exterior. Perfectly balanced, these treats highlight rich chocolate flavor with hints of vanilla, ideal for satisfying sweet cravings.

Chilling the dough is key for the characteristic crackle effect and texture. Baking times ensure the centers remain soft while the edges crisp nicely. They store well and freeze easily, making these chocolate crinkle delights convenient and delicious.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:21:00 GMT
Warm, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar, ready to enjoy with milk. Save
Warm, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar, ready to enjoy with milk. | bakozy.com

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

I first baked these cookies on a chilly afternoon and instantly became hooked on their perfect balance of chewy and crisp.

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.
A plate of freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, showing off their signature crinkled texture. Save
A plate of freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, showing off their signature crinkled texture. | bakozy.com

These cookies have become a beloved family treat especially enjoyed during holiday baking sessions.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately 90 calories 3 g of total fat 15 g carbohydrates and 1 g protein.

Allergen Information

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

Required Tools

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

Fudgy and delicious, these homemade Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a perfect dessert treat. Save
Fudgy and delicious, these homemade Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a perfect dessert treat. | bakozy.com

These chocolate crinkle cookies are the perfect blend of easy prep and delicious results every time.

Recipe FAQ

What makes the crackled sugar coating?

Rolling the chilled dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the distinctive cracked appearance as the dough expands and cracks during baking.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder?

Yes, Dutch-process cocoa adds a richer, smoother chocolate flavor that deepens the taste of the crinkles.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies develop the signature crackled surface when baked.

How can I intensify chocolate flavor?

Adding a small amount of instant espresso powder intensifies the chocolate notes without affecting sweetness.

How should I store these treats?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.

Soft Fudgy Chocolate Crinkles

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

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare wet mixture: Mix 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.

Phase 03

Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be sticky.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Form cookie balls: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Cool cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs.
  • Cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy; verify labels if sensitive.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g