Tender Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These tender chocolate crinkle cookies feature fudgy centers and cracked powdered sugar tops, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for holidays, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil (can substitute melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- Powdered sugar (about ½ cup or 60g for rolling dough balls)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until just combined. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and espresso powder if using. Beat until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined; do not overmix. The dough will be thick and fudgy.
- Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop dough into 1 ½-inch (4 cm) balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Arrange dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and cracked but centers look slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough overnight is key for tender texture and easier handling. Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar for the classic crinkle effect. Remove cookies from oven when edges are set but centers still look soft for perfect fudgy centers. If dough is too sticky after chilling, refrigerate an additional 15-20 minutes. Use room temperature eggs for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 2
Keywords: chocolate crinkle cookies, fudgy cookies, holiday cookies, easy chocolate cookies, tender cookies, powdered sugar cookies