Ultimate Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Super Easy

Name: Ultimate Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 4 h 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup dark cocoa powder; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil

There’s something undeniably magical about the moment you take a bite of a freshly baked chocolate crinkle cookie. With a crust that subtly crackles, revealing a soft and chewy center, these treats are quintessential indulgence. Perfect for any occasion or simply for your afternoon coffee break, they’re a delightful balance of rich chocolate flavor and sweet satisfaction. If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that combines ease with absolute delectability, you’ve landed in the right place!

Why Make This Recipe

The unique crinkled appearance gives these cookies a professional bakery feel, making them perfect for any gathering or celebration.
Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep, so even novice bakers can achieve success.

This recipe stands out because it beautifully highlights that you don’t need complex techniques to create something extraordinary.

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Let’s dive into the simple method to prepare the ultimate chocolate crinkle cookies from the comfort of your kitchen. Trust me, you will want to make these time and time again!

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before you start baking, gather all your necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth workflow in your kitchen. You’ll need:

½ cup dark cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup vegetable or canola oil

Crafting the Cookie Dough

Mix the Sugars and Oil First. In a large mixing bowl, either use the bowl of your stand mixer or grab a handheld mixer. Start by combining the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the vegetable oil. Blend all of this together until smooth and creamy. This step is critical for achieving the right texture in your finished cookies.
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla. Once your sugar mixture is nice and creamy, it’s time to add the eggs. Do this one at a time, ensuring that each egg is thoroughly mixed in before you add the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth and velvety.
Add Your Dry Ingredients. Now onto the fun part — adding your dry ingredients! Carefully add in the dark cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to your wet mixture. Start mixing at a low speed to avoid creating a cocoa cloud in your kitchen! Gradually increase the speed until the mixture forms a thick dough. It’s okay if the dough feels a bit stiff; this texture is precisely what you’re aiming for.
Chill the Dough. Here’s where the magic happens. Once your dough is ready, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This chilling time is essential for achieving those classic crinkles in the baked cookies.
Preheat the Oven. As your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily post-baking.

Shaping and Baking

Shape the Dough. After your dough has chilled, take a tablespoon or a 1 ½ tablespoon scoop and portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball and then thoroughly roll them in powdered sugar. This step is what creates the beautiful crinkled appearance after baking, as it forms a delightful crust.
Arrange for Baking. Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, being sure to leave enough space between each ball — about two inches apart should do.
Bake the Cookies. Now it’s time to bake! Place your baking sheet in the oven and let the cookies bake for 10 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on them; as they bake, you’ll see the crinkles forming. They may seem soft when you take them out, but that’s exactly how they should be to maintain a chewy texture.
Cooling Time. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This short wait will allow them to firm up just a bit. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. The longer they rest, the chewier and more delicious they become!

Storage Tips for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

You want to enjoy your cookies as long as possible, right? Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep them a bit longer, place them in the fridge where they will last about a week.
Freezing: For extended storage, you can freeze the cookies. Just be sure they are thoroughly cooled, then place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Now, let’s talk about how to elevate your chocolate crinkle cookies beyond the traditional approach.

Classic Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for that perfect dunk and sip experience.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, try turning them into ice cream sandwiches. Just place a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and lightly press together.
With Fresh Fruit: Consider serving them alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries — the tartness of the fruit pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies.
Decorative Plating: When serving at a gathering, stack the cookies on a beautiful platter and dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.

Tips to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

To ensure your cookie-making experience is as smooth as butter, keep these tips in mind:

Chill for Success. Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s crucial for developing that signature crinkle.
Measure Accurate. When measuring cocoa powder and flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing them down.
Taste Test. Allow yourself a taste of the cookie dough before chilling (but remember, raw eggs are present).

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a couple of ideas:

Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into your dough before chilling.
Different Cocoa: If you desire a more intense chocolate experience, swap the dark cocoa powder for Dutch-processed cocoa. It will give your cookies a richer flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping and rolling for easier handling.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
In the fridge, they’ll last about a week.
If frozen, they can maintain quality for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use different types of sugar in this recipe?

A: Yes! You can use coconut sugar or a mix of brown and white sugar for a unique flavor profile.

Q: Why do my cookies flatten and lose their crinkle?

A: This could be due to not chilling the dough sufficiently or using too little flour. Ensure that your dough is properly chilled and well-measured.

By now, you have all the tools you need to make the ultimate chocolate crinkle cookies. With their luscious flavor and tempting appearance, they’re sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply for a sweet treat during the week, these cookies will undoubtedly bring joy to your baking escapades. Happy baking!

Ultimate Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ultimate Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Super Easy

Why Make This Recipe