The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, soft chocolate crinkle cookie—chewy, fudgy, and coated in a dazzling layer of powdered sugar. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a moment of pure joy, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or just craving something sweet for a cozy night in, these cookies are a delightful choice that everyone will adore.
What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and a texture that is both chewy and soft on the inside, with a slight crispiness outside. Each bite is a heavenly blend of sweet chocolate and buttery bliss, making them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find yourself baking these cookies again and again.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Gather all your ingredients for an effortless baking experience.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In two separate shallow bowls, place the granulated sugar and powdered sugar for coating the cookies. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and oil using a wooden spoon until well mixed.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- Sprinkle the salt, baking powder, and flour into the mixture. Stir until well incorporated, forming a stiff dough.
- Using a cookie dough scoop, roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Roll each ball first in the granulated sugar, then generously coat them in powdered sugar.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cookie tops are crinkled and the edges are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can replace light olive oil with melted coconut oil if you prefer a different flavor. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Optional Variations: Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking for an added treat.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Difficulty level: Easy

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup light olive oil (or avocado oil) Can be substituted with melted coconut oil.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar For rolling the dough balls.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar For coating the cookies.
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In two separate shallow bowls, place the granulated sugar and powdered sugar for coating the cookies. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and oil using a wooden spoon until well mixed.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- Sprinkle the salt, baking powder, and flour into the mixture. Stir until well incorporated, forming a stiff dough.
- Using a cookie dough scoop, roll the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Roll each ball first in the granulated sugar, then generously coat them in powdered sugar.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cookie tops are crinkled and the edges are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.