Soft fudgy chocolate crinkle

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These soft and fudgy chocolate crinkles feature a distinctive crackled powdered sugar coating that contrasts beautifully with their rich, chewy centers. Made with unsweetened cocoa, vanilla extract, and a touch of vegetable oil, the dough is chilled to ensure perfect texture and shape. Baked until just puffed, they remain tender inside while offering a satisfying sugary crust. Ideal for sharing during holidays or anytime you crave a comforting chocolate indulgence.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:24:00 GMT
A plate of freshly baked chocolate crinkle cookies, crackled and dusted with sweet powdered sugar. Save
A plate of freshly baked chocolate crinkle cookies, crackled and dusted with sweet powdered sugar. | meadowplate.com

Soft, fudgy, and irresistibly chewy, these classic chocolate crinkle cookies feature a crackled, powdered sugar exterior and a rich, brownie-like center. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a decadent chocolate treat.

These cookies quickly became my family favorite during the holidays; everyone loves breaking through that crackled sugar exterior into the rich chocolate center.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs room temperature, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Rolling: ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine sugar and oil, mixing until well blended. 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 until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
Step 4:
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
Step 5:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6:
Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls.
Step 7:
Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, coating completely.
Step 8:
Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 9:
Bake for 10 12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but centers are still slightly soft.
Step 10:
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Perfectly round chocolate crinkle cookies with snowy powdered sugar coating, inviting you to enjoy. Save
Perfectly round chocolate crinkle cookies with snowy powdered sugar coating, inviting you to enjoy. | meadowplate.com

Baking these cookies has become a delightful tradition in my family, creating sweet memories every holiday season.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, Wheat (Gluten). May contain traces of nuts if using shared equipment. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

Calories: 80, Total Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 1 g

These decadent chocolate crinkle cookies have a chewy interior and a beautiful, crackled surface. Save
These decadent chocolate crinkle cookies have a chewy interior and a beautiful, crackled surface. | meadowplate.com

Enjoy these cookies fresh for the best texture and flavor; they also freeze well for future treats.

Recipe FAQs

What gives the crinkles their crackled appearance?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the signature crackled surface as the dough spreads and cracks in the oven.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms up the sticky dough, making it easier to form balls and helps maintain shape during baking.

Can I use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, mild oils like canola or light olive oil can be substituted without affecting flavor significantly.

How can I make the chocolate flavor more intense?

Adding half a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients enhances the chocolate richness.

What is the ideal baking time for soft centers?

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are crackled but the centers remain slightly soft for that chewy texture.

Soft fudgy chocolate crinkle

Soft, fudgy chocolate treats with a crackled powdered sugar exterior and chewy centers.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Overall Time
32 minutes
Recipe by Ella Whitcombe


How Tough Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 24 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless, No Dairy

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 ¼ cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 ½ cup powdered sugar

How To Make

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, blend sugar and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Chill dough: Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours until firm enough to handle.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Shape dough balls: Place powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into 1-inch diameter balls.

Step 07

Coat with powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until completely coated.

Step 08

Arrange for baking: Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 09

Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are puffed and cracked but centers remain slightly soft.

Step 10

Cool cookies: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens, and reach out to a medical professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs and wheat (gluten).
  • May contain traces of nuts if equipment is shared.

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Details are meant for general information, not for medical purposes.
  • Energy: 80
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 1 g