Save Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a timeless American dessert that combines a soft, fudgy interior with a striking crackled exterior dusted in powdered sugar. These easy-to-make treats offer the perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures, making them an irresistible comfort snack or a delightful finish to any meal.
Save Chilling the dough is key to achieving the signature crackled look and delicious texture. These cookies bring joy with each bite, whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later indulgence.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For Rolling
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- 1. Whisk dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- 2. Mix wet ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- 3. Combine dry and wet ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. The dough will be sticky.
- 4. Chill the dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm enough to handle.
- 5. Prepare baking sheets
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 6. Roll dough balls
- Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch/2.5 cm in diameter). Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
- 7. Arrange on baking sheets
- Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- 8. Bake cookies
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the centers.
- 9. Cool cookies
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a richer chocolate taste, try using Dutch-process cocoa powder. Keep the dough chilled thoroughly to help the cookies crackle perfectly as they bake. If the dough feels too sticky for rolling, refrigerate it a little longer until easier to handle.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to intensify the chocolate flavor. You can also experiment by substituting vegetable oil with melted butter for a slightly different richness. These cookies are naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by using appropriate flour substitutes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these chocolate crinkle cookies fresh with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a cozy treat. They also make lovely gifts when packed in decorative tins. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness.
Save This recipe is a wonderful introduction to baking chocolate cookies with a unique twist, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a personal sweet treat. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions delivers delicious results every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the cookies crackle on top?
Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the distinctive crackled surface as the cookies spread and puff up in the oven.
- → How does chilling the dough affect the outcome?
Refrigerating the dough firms it up, which helps maintain shape during baking and enhances the crackled appearance of the cookies.
- → Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead?
Yes, Dutch-process cocoa provides a richer and smoother chocolate flavor, making the treats even more decadent.
- → Why are the centers chewy while the edges stay crisp?
The balance of wet and dry ingredients ensures a moist interior, while the sugar coating and baking time allow edges to crisp perfectly.
- → How should these treats be stored to preserve freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for extended storage without loss of texture.