Description

These chocolate crinkle cookies feature crisp edges, a crackly sugar crust, and a soft, fudgy center. Made with simple pantry staples, they require no chill time and offer a dramatic, bakery-quality appearance.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, for coating

Instructions

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until liquid but not hot. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Optional: Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape and create more dramatic cracks.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop the dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until completely white.
Place dough balls on baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, use Dutch-processed cocoa for a darker color and richer flavor. Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies. Underbake slightly for a fudgy center. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 20
Sodium: 110
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: chocolate crinkle cookies, easy cookie recipe, fudgy cookies, powdered sugar cookies, holiday baking, no chill cookies