Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for chocolate lovers craving a soft, fudgy bite with a crackled powdered sugar exterior. These cookies balance rich cocoa flavor with a tender, chewy center. They’re easy to make and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened dutch cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted, for rolling dough balls in)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or a medium mixing bowl and handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
2. Step 2: Lower the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until completely combined.
3. Step 3: Add the cocoa powder and espresso powder, mixing just until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
4. Step 4: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Place the sifted powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Use a 1 ½-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough and roll each scoop into a ball.
7. Step 7: Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar until well coated, then place on the baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until crackles appear on the cookie surface, outer edges are set, and the center remains soft. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Serve once fully cooled.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper chocolate flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
• Add a half cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture.
• Make sure eggs are at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly.
• If you don’t have espresso powder, leave it out or replace with instant coffee granules.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a microwave if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, melted butter can be used in place of vegetable oil for a richer flavor, but it may slightly change the texture and chewiness of the cookies.

Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies bake evenly with those signature crackled tops.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delicious and fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies featuring a rich cocoa and espresso-infused dough that cracks beautifully during baking, resulting in a soft and chewy center dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful texture and appearance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened dutch cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon table salt

For Coating

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

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Instructions

1. Mix Sugar and Oil: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer in a medium bowl on medium-high speed, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until well combined and smooth.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Reduce mixer speed to medium-low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then add the vanilla extract and combine fully.
3. Incorporate Cocoa and Espresso: Add the unsweetened dutch cocoa powder and espresso powder to the mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even distribution.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Prepare Powdered Sugar Coating: Place the sifted powdered sugar in a shallow bowl to be used for rolling the cookie dough balls.
7. Form Cookie Dough Balls: Using a 1 ½-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough and roll each scoop into a ball. Thoroughly coat each ball in the powdered sugar and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the characteristic crackled surface appears, the edges are set, but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential as it solidifies the fat and helps prevent spreading during baking, producing the signature crinkle effect.
• Using espresso powder enhances the deep chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
• Be sure not to overbake; the centers should remain soft for a fudgy texture.
• Make sure eggs are at room temperature to ensure better mixing and texture.
• You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate crinkle cookies, fudgy chocolate cookies, powdered sugar cookies, espresso powder cookies, holiday cookies, easy chocolate cookie recipe