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Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: The Classic Bakery-Style Treat

A stack of rich, dark chocolate crinkle cookies heavily dusted with white powdered sugar, resting on a white plate.

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Bake soft, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies that taste like rich brownies. This recipe delivers the iconic powdered sugar crackle top and a chewy texture, perfect for holiday baking or satisfying serious chocolate cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled, melted chocolate chips until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a thick, fudgy dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent spreading and aids in the crackle effect.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Pour the powdered sugar into a shallow dish. Scoop the chilled dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each.
  8. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar until completely coated.
  9. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will still look slightly soft. Do not overbake to keep them fudgy.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cracks will deepen as they cool.

Notes

  • For the best crackle, ensure your dough is well chilled before rolling in sugar.
  • If you prefer a zero-chill option, roll the dough immediately, but expect a slightly flatter cookie.
  • For extra rich flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with packed light brown sugar.
  • These cookies freeze well before or after baking.

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