Soft fudgy chocolate crinkles

Featured in: Sweet Harvest Treats

These chocolate crinkles boast a tender, fudgy center wrapped in a crisp, crackled powdered sugar crust. Combining cocoa powder and vanilla, the dough is chilled then rolled in sugar before baking to create delightful texture contrasts. Simple pantry ingredients come together in under two hours, with minimal hands-on time. Perfect for sharing, these treats balance rich chocolate flavor and softness, making them ideal for cozy desserts or snacks.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:22:00 GMT
Fudgy, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, perfect with coffee. Save
Fudgy, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, perfect with coffee. | pumpkinvale.com

Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackled, powdered sugar exterior these classic treats are irresistibly chewy inside and delightfully crisp outside.

These cookies have been a favorite in my family for years everyone loves their unique crackled look and rich chocolate flavor

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Rolling: 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt set aside.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil until combined 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 just until incorporated The dough will be sticky.
Step 4:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the dough is firm enough to handle.
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6:
Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch/2.5 cm in diameter) Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
Step 7:
Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 8:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the centers.
Step 9:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Soft, chewy interior and crisp exterior: Indulge in warm Chocolate Crinkle Cookies just baked. Save
Soft, chewy interior and crisp exterior: Indulge in warm Chocolate Crinkle Cookies just baked. | pumpkinvale.com

Sharing these cookies at holiday gatherings always brings joy and happy memories for my whole family

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Whisk, Hand mixer or wooden spoon, Plastic wrap, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Cookie scoop or tablespoon, Cooling rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs Manufactured cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy check labels if concerned

A beautiful close-up of delicious, powdered sugar-coated Chocolate Crinkle Cookies ready to eat. Save
A beautiful close-up of delicious, powdered sugar-coated Chocolate Crinkle Cookies ready to eat. | pumpkinvale.com

These chocolate crinkle cookies are simple to make and always impress with their texture and flavor

Recipe FAQs

What makes the cookies crackle on top?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the distinct crackled surface as the cookies expand in the oven.

How do I achieve a fudgy texture inside?

Using cocoa powder and chilling the dough before baking helps retain moisture, resulting in a soft, fudgy interior.

Can I enhance the chocolate flavor?

Adding Dutch-process cocoa powder or a small amount of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate notes without altering texture.

How should I store these treats to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for up to two months to maintain freshness.

What tools are recommended for preparation?

Basic kitchen tools like mixing bowls, a whisk, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a cookie scoop make the process easy and consistent.

Soft fudgy chocolate crinkles

Soft, fudgy chocolate crinkles with a crackled sugar coating, chewy inside and crisp outside.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Time Needed
30 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace

Recipe Type Sweet Harvest Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 24 Serving Size

Diet Information Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/2 cup powdered sugar

How to Make

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Form Dough: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just incorporated; the dough will be sticky.

Step 04

Chill Dough: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until dough firms up.

Step 05

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 06

Shape and Coat Cookies: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into 1-inch diameter balls, then coat thoroughly in powdered sugar.

Step 07

Arrange Balls: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are puffed with crackled surfaces yet soft centers.

Step 09

Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or wooden spoon
  • Plastic wrap
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs
  • Cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy; check labels if sensitive

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 90
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g