Soft fudgy chocolate cookies

Featured in: Sweet Knockout Treats

Experience the delightful contrast of textures in these chocolate crinkle cookies. The dough is rich with cocoa and vanilla, chilled to develop flavors before being rolled in powdered sugar. Baking at 350°F creates a crisp, crackled exterior while keeping the centers tender and chewy. Ideal for easy preparation and satisfying indulgence, these cookies offer classic, comforting chocolate flavor.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:48:00 GMT
Beautifully crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Beautifully crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, ready to be enjoyed. | whambite.com

Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackled, powdered sugar exterior these classic treats are irresistibly chewy inside and delightfully crisp outside.

The first time I baked these chocolate crinkle cookies they quickly became a family favorite for their perfect balance of chewy and crisp.

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

Step 1:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt set aside
Step 2:
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
Step 3:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing just until incorporated The dough will be sticky
Step 4:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the dough is firm enough to handle
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
Step 6:
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
Step 7:
Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets
Step 8:
Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the centers
Step 9:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Warm, freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy interior and perfect crinkles visible. Save
Warm, freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy interior and perfect crinkles visible. | whambite.com

One memorable holiday season these cookies brought our family together with their delightful taste and festive look.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Whisk Hand mixer or wooden spoon Plastic wrap Baking sheets Parchment paper Cookie scoop or tablespoon Cooling rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs Manufactured cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy check labels if concerned

A close-up of delicious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, hinting at their soft texture and chocolatey goodness. Save
A close-up of delicious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, hinting at their soft texture and chocolatey goodness. | whambite.com

These chocolate crinkle cookies are perfect for sharing or gifting and will impress anyone who tries them.

Kitchen Guide

What gives the cookies their crackled appearance?

Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking creates the distinctive crackled, powdered surface.

How does chilling the dough affect the final texture?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping cookies develop a tender, chewy interior with a crisp exterior.

Can Dutch-process cocoa powder be used instead?

Yes, Dutch-process cocoa adds a richer, smoother chocolate flavor enhancing the overall taste.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies puff and crackle but remain soft inside.

How should the cookies be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Soft fudgy chocolate cookies

Soft, fudgy chocolate treats with a crackled sugar crust and chewy inside.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
10 min
Complete Duration
30 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Diet Requirements Meat-Free, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Method

Phase 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

Phase 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend sugar and oil until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

Phase 03

Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated; dough will be sticky.

Phase 04

Chill Dough: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to handle.

Phase 05

Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 06

Form and Coat Cookies: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls about 1 inch diameter, then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar.

Phase 07

Arrange on Sheets: Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Phase 08

Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies puff and crackle but remain soft in centers.

Phase 09

Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Kitchen Tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or wooden spoon
  • Plastic wrap
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Cooling rack

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs; cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g