Rich chocolate flavor and fudgy centers are coated in a melt-in-your-mouth powdered sugar coating in these delicious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting, these easy cookies are a Christmas cookie essential!

chocolate crinkle cookies on baking sheet

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For me, no holiday baking session is complete without Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. They are fudgy, they are chocolatey, and the crackled powdered sugar topping makes them look so festive!

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is sure to bring a little extra sweetness to your season. Just like cream cheese cookies and snowball cookies, these are a must-make every holiday season!

Why I love this recipe

The thick, fudgy texture inside reminds me of a rich brownie, and I can’t get enough of it.
The melt-in-your-mouth powdered sugar coating is the best part. Every bite feels like a little moment of indulgence.
They are perfect for holiday gifting, but honestly, I’m just as happy keeping them all to myself!

Ingredients

cocoa powder
vegetable oil
granulated white sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
powdered sugar

Step by step

Using a stand mixer (affiliate link), combine cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed until it forms a thick, uniform black dough.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well in between each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the mixed dry ingredients to the dough on low speed, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight (this step is crucial!).
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, then coat each ball in powdered sugar.
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies crack on top. Allow them to cool for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

dusting chocolate crinkle cookies in powdered sugar

Tips for best results

Be sure to chill the dough at least 4 hours or overnight. This is a must to get the right texture and avoid flat cookies.
You can use a cookie scoop to make sure your cookie dough balls are uniform in shape.
Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar twice for that beautiful crackle.
Don’t over-bake! The cookies will continue to cook once they’re out of the oven.

Variations

For a new flavor twist, add mini chocolate chips to the dough for more chocolaty goodness, or use peppermint extract to create mint chocolate crinkle cookie for a minty treat.

You can also use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a richer taste if you have some on hand.

Serving suggestions

Enjoy them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint hot chocolate for the perfect cozy pairing on chilly days.
Add these cookies to a holiday cookie platter, alongside microwave peanut brittle, easy homemade pralines, and Christmas mouse cookies.

Storage

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

You can freeze the dough by rolling it into balls, chilling it, and and transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directly.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!