Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe For The Holidays

Let’s talk about the cookie that looks like it survived a cocoa explosion and came out fabulous—chocolate crinkle cookies. These little beauties are fudgy, crackly, and dusted with powdered sugar like they just walked through a winter wonderland. If you’ve never made them, you’re missing out on one of the easiest, most crowd-pleasing holiday treats ever.

I’ve baked these for everything from cookie swaps to last-minute gift baskets, and they never disappoint. They’re rich, chewy, and somehow manage to look fancy without requiring a culinary degree. So if you’re hunting for a holiday recipe that’s low effort but high reward, this one’s your golden ticket.

Why Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Are a Holiday MVP

Ever notice how some cookies just scream “holiday”? Chocolate crinkles do that without even trying. They’ve got:

• That iconic crackled surface that looks like snow-dusted chocolate lava
• A brownie-like center that’s soft, rich, and borderline addictive
• A simple ingredient list you probably already have in your pantry
• Major visual appeal with zero decorating skills required

Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, travel well, and make you look like a baking genius. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is straightforward—no weird stuff, no chilling overnight, and no mixer required. Just grab a bowl and a whisk, and you’re halfway there.

🧾 Ingredients (Makes about 20 cookies)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Optional but awesome: a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. Trust me, it doesn’t make them taste like coffee—it just makes the chocolate pop.

How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

🔥 Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add dry to wet: Stir the dry mixture into the wet until fully combined. The dough will be sticky—don’t panic.
4. Chill for 30 minutes: This helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to roll.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each), then roll generously in powdered sugar.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops crack and the edges are set. Don’t overbake—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Then try not to eat five in a row. Good luck.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crinkles

Want that dramatic crackle and soft center every time? Here’s what I’ve learned from way too many batches:

• Chill the dough: Even 30 minutes makes a difference. Warm dough = flat cookies.
• Roll generously in powdered sugar: Like, don’t be shy. The more sugar, the better the contrast.
• Don’t overbake: They should look slightly underdone in the center. That’s how you get the fudgy texture.
• Use dark cocoa powder for a deeper flavor and richer color.

Ever tried stuffing them with a chocolate chunk or caramel square? It’s next-level. Just saying.

Variations to Try (Because Why Not?)

Feeling adventurous? These cookies are super flexible. Here are a few twists:

🍊 Orange Zest Crinkles

• Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the dough
• Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate

🌶️ Spicy Mexican Crinkles

• Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne
• Sweet with a subtle kick

☕ Espresso Crinkles

• Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• Deepens the chocolate flavor like magic

🍫 Double Chocolate Crinkles

• Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips before chilling
• Because more chocolate is always the answer

IMO, the espresso version is dangerously good. I made them once and had to hide the leftovers from myself. Didn’t work.

Why These Cookies Belong in Your Holiday Lineup

Let’s be honest—holiday baking can get chaotic. These cookies are your calm in the storm. They’re:

• Quick to make
• Easy to scale up
• Visually stunning
• Loved by kids and adults alike

Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a tin, or just treating yourself after surviving a family dinner, chocolate crinkle cookies deliver every time.

Final Thoughts: Bake, Crackle, Repeat

Chocolate crinkle cookies are proof that simple can be spectacular. They’re rich, festive, and practically foolproof. Once you make them, they’ll become a permanent fixture in your holiday baking rotation.

So grab your cocoa, dust off that baking sheet, and get ready to impress. These cookies don’t just taste amazing—they look like you spent hours on them. (Spoiler: You didn’t.)

Bake them once, and you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated the holidays without them.