Chocolate Crinkle Cookiesare a must-have for holiday baking. They are like a rich, brownie rolled in powdered sugar and taste like a dream.

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper holds nine chocolate crinkle cookies. Each cookie is dusted with powdered sugar and has a cracked surface, creating a contrasting pattern of dark brown and white.

Chocolate lovers unite! What’s not to love about a cookie that tastes like a rich, chewy brownie? They look pretty enough to gift because the cookies get little cracks in them which look like chocolate cracks under the white powdered sugar. They arefestive and delicious.

These cookies are not only fool proof but they freeze incredibly well too. You can make them in advance for a party or just tuck some away in the freezer for when you get that chocolate craving. For more chocolaty goodness also try mychocolate cookies white chocolate chips!

Top view of a white plate on a red striped napkin with chocolate crinkle cookies on top and glasses of milk next to it.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

They are made using simple ingredients that you most likely have in your kitchen right now.
They are incredibly easy to whip up that even novice bakers will have great success.
These cookies offer a deep, satisfying chocolate taste that will delight any chocolate lover.
With a total time of just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick treat.

Recipe Ingredients

Butter– Unsalted
Sugar –You will need granulated and powdered sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Flour –All-purpose
Cocoa powder– Unsweetened
Baking powder
Salt

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A red spatula scooping thick chocolate brownie batter from a mixing bowl. The bowl has a green rim and is partially covered in batter. The rich, dark chocolate mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step #1.Cream butter and 1 cup of sugar until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla.

Step #2.Mix in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until dough forms.

Step #3.Roll dough into balls, then coat in granulated sugar followed by powdered sugar.

Step #4.Place on a lined baking sheet, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, and let cool.

A table with a mixing bowl of chocolate dough and a spatula, a tray of baked crinkle cookies, a cup of sugar, a small bowl of flour, and an ice cream scoop on a white surface.

Recipe FAQs

Why are they called crinkle cookies?

Crinkle cookies are rolled in powered sugar before baking. This cute name stems from the powered sugar cracking and the crinkles that form as the cookie begins to take shape.

How do you know when Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are done?

The cookies will be done when the crinkles appear on top. This typically takes 10-12 minutes but watch them because time varies depending on your home oven. They will be pretty soft when they come out of the oven but will harden as they cool. The rule of thumb is to let them cook 1 minutes longer after they “crack”.

Can I make crinkle cookies with a cake or brownie mix?

You sure can, however this recipe and ingredient list are so easy that I’d just make it from scratch and not buy a packaged mix. Seriously, there’s nothing to these!

How much powdered sugar do I need to use to coat the cookies?

You want to make sure that the cookies are totally covered in powdered sugar and it will take about 1/2 cup total to cover all of your cookie dough balls.. You will know when they are properly covered because you won’t be able to see any of the dough underneath. This is an important step if you want a good crinkle factor.

Close up of chocolate crinkle cookies on a drying rack.

Expert Tips

If yourdough is too soft to roll,chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutesto make iteasier to handle.
Rotate your baking sheet halfway throughto ensure the cookiesbake evenly.
Pull the cookies out just as they start to crackand spread to keep themsoft and fudgy inside.
Thecookies will start to absorb the powdered sugar after a few hoursand they won’t be as white as they once were. They still taste great though. If you need them to be extra pretty for a party or something,don’t make them more than a few hours ahead of time.

Top view of a christmas rag with white plate and cracked cookies that are nearly white on top but the cracks reveals dark chocolaty lines.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug ofhot cocoa. Use these cookies to make decadent chocolate ice cream sandwiches with mychocolate ice creamin the center. You can add them to a holiday gift box with other festive treats likesoft gingerbread cookies,snickerdoodles,orsugar cookies.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a piece of bread to the container helps maintain softness. Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, thawing them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.