There’s something undeniably magical about Soft Chocolate Crinkles—that perfect blend of brownie-like richness and festive cookie charm. Every bite melts softly, offering the deep flavor of cocoa wrapped in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. These Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are more than just a recipe—they are a holiday ritual passed down and lovingly shared. In my home, no Christmas feels complete without a fresh batch of these glossy, crackled delights cooling on the table. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned kitchen elf, this Crinkle Cookies Recipe will quickly become your favorite sweet tradition, too.
The Story Behind My Favorite Soft Chocolate Crinkles
The Holiday Memory That Started It All
I still remember the first time I made Soft Chocolate Crinkles with my family one quiet December afternoon. The kitchen windows were fogged from the warmth of the oven, and the comforting scent of melting chocolate filled every corner of the room. My mom dusted the counter with powdered sugar as if snow had fallen right inside our home, and I rolled each dough ball with care, amazed at how something so simple could feel so cozy. When the timer dinged, we pulled out trays of Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies—each one perfectly cracked on top, still soft and warm at the center.
That day, a new holiday tradition was born. Every Christmas since, the familiar act of mixing, rolling, and watching those little chocolate spheres transform into snowy, crinkled gems has brought the same joy and connection. The laughter, the sticky fingers, and the sweet aroma remind me why baking these cookies is more than just a task—it’s a heartfelt celebration of togetherness. My Soft Chocolate Crinkles have become the one recipe I rely on when I want sweetness, nostalgia, and comfort all in a single bite.
There’s a reason Chocolate Crinkles appear year after year on Christmas cookie platters everywhere—they’re timeless. The magic lies in their contrast: a slightly crisp exterior dusted like winter snow and a soft, fudgy interior that tastes just like the center of a brownie. This Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe stands out among other Christmas Baking Recipes because it’s both simple and spectacular.
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Soft Chocolate Crinkles – Easy Christmas Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft Chocolate Crinkles combine a fudgy brownie-like center with a snowy powdered sugar crust for a festive holiday treat. This simple baking recipe yields tender, crackled cookies perfect for gifting or sharing around the Christmas tree.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Whisk flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt together in a bowl.
2. Beat sugar and melted butter until smooth then add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla.
3. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
4. Cover dough and chill in refrigerator for at least two hours.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Portion dough into balls and roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
7. Place balls on prepared sheets spacing them evenly.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until tops are puffed and cracked but centers appear slightly soft.
9. Cool on baking sheet for two minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
10. Optional dust with additional powdered sugar once cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: chocolate crinkles, christmas cookies, easy cookies, crinkle cookies, holiday baking, soft chocolate cookies, powdered sugar cookies
The beauty of the Crinkle Cookies Recipe is that it delivers that impressive, bakery-style look with very little effort. The dough chills as you prepare the rest of your holiday spread, and with just a roll through powdered sugar, you get that iconic cracked surface once baked. Soft Chocolate Crinkles pair perfectly with a mug of cocoa by the tree, and their deep chocolate flavor always feels like a comforting hug on a cold winter night. It’s no wonder these cookies have become a cherished part of Christmas baking traditions everywhere—they embody the spirit of sweetness, simplicity, and holiday warmth all in one irresistible treat.
Gathering What You Need for Soft Chocolate Crinkles
Essential Ingredients for That Signature Crinkle Look
The secret to beautifully Soft Chocolate Crinkles lies in getting the right balance of rich cocoa flavor, sweetness, and texture. The magic begins with simple pantry staples—all working together to create that soft, fudgy center and signature cracked top. Below is a straightforward table with everything you need for the perfect Crinkle Cookies Recipe.
| Ingredient | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Forms the cookie’s base and structure |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | Provides that deep, chocolatey flavor—use a high-quality brand for best results |
| Baking powder | Helps the cookies rise and crack beautifully |
| Salt | Enhances sweetness and balances the richness |
| Granulated sugar | Gives sweetness and crisp edges |
| Oil or melted butter | Adds moisture for soft, brownie-like texture |
| Eggs | Bind the ingredients and help create that chewy center |
| Vanilla extract | Infuses warm, comforting aroma and flavor |
| Powdered sugar | The snowy coating that creates the crinkle effect |
To personalize your Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, consider these simple variations:
- Butter substitute: Use coconut oil or dairy-free margarine for a richer, plant-based texture.
- Egg replacement: For vegan bakers, swap each egg for one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water.
- Cocoa upgrade: Try dark or Dutch-process cocoa for deeper flavor and color.
Whichever route you choose, this Chocolate Crinkles mix will yield cookies that are decadently soft on the inside with that delightful crackled finish outside—perfect for gifting or nibbling straight from the rack.
Must-Have Tools and Prep Tips
Baking Soft Chocolate Crinkles doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a few dependable tools and thoughtful preparation. Setting up your space before mixing ensures a smooth, stress-free baking experience.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula and whisk
- Baking trays or cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop or spoon
- Cooling rack
Prep Tips for the Perfect Batch:
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate for one to two hours or overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up for perfect cracks.
- Roll generously: Coat dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar to achieve that snowy, crinkled look.
- Even sizes matter: Use a small scoop for consistent baking and presentation.
- Don’t overbake: Remove cookies when the tops are puffed and cracked; they’ll firm as they cool.
- Line the pans: Bake on parchment paper to prevent browning and ease removal.
By organizing ingredients, preparing tools, and following these steps, your Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies will come out flawless every time. Whether you’re baking a small batch for family or filling festive tins as gifts, these Soft Chocolate Crinkles will always deliver warm, sweet charm.
Step-by-Step Method for Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Mixing, Chilling, and Shaping the Cookie Dough
Making Soft Chocolate Crinkles is every bit as enjoyable as eating them. Start by whisking together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. In another large bowl, beat sugar and oil (or melted butter) until smooth and glossy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each, then stir in vanilla extract for a warm aroma.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mix using a rubber spatula. The dough should be thick, sticky, and deeply chocolatey—almost like brownie batter. Once your Crinkle Cookies Recipe dough forms, cover and chill for at least two hours or overnight. Chilling firms the fats, helping the dough hold shape in the oven and create those signature cracks.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven and line trays with parchment. Scoop dough with a small spoon, roll into smooth balls, then coat each one generously in powdered sugar. Place evenly on trays, leaving space to spread as they bake.
Baking and Finishing Touches
Bake Soft Chocolate Crinkles at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Perfect Chocolate Crinkles should puff with cracked tops and slightly soft centers, ensuring fudgy, chewy textures once cooled.
Remove trays from the oven and let cookies rest for two minutes before transferring to cooling racks. For extra snowy appeal, dust again lightly with powdered sugar once cool. Serve alone or enjoy with a frothy cup of cocoa or cold milk. For gifting, stack between parchment sheets in tins—it’s a thoughtful, festive touch.
Baking Pro Tip: For thicker Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, refrigerate the shaped dough balls for an extra 15 minutes before baking. This added chill prevents spreading, yielding cookies with soft centers and striking cracks.
Each batch of Soft Chocolate Crinkles captures the comfort of home and the spirit of Christmas. Glossy, tender, and dusted with sweetness, this Crinkle Cookies Recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
Common Questions About Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
1. Why did my Chocolate Crinkles not crack properly?
If your Chocolate Crinkles didn’t develop cracks, the dough was likely too warm or too moist. Chill thoroughly for at least two hours. Fresh baking powder is essential, too—stale leavening prevents proper rise and cracking.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies freeze beautifully. Shape dough into balls, roll lightly in granulated sugar (skip the powdered sugar), then freeze on a tray until firm. Store in a bag up to three months. Thaw slightly, roll in powdered sugar, then bake as usual.
3. How long do Soft Chocolate Crinkles stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, Soft Chocolate Crinkles stay moist for up to five days at room temperature or one week refrigerated. To refresh, warm briefly in the microwave or place in a low oven for a few minutes.
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend (with xanthan gum) for the flour. The cookies may turn out slightly softer but still irresistibly delicious. Always verify that cocoa and baking powder are certified gluten-free.
5. What’s the trick to keeping them soft?
Perfect softness depends on baking time and storage. Remove cookies when centers look just set, not firm. Once cool, store in an airtight container with a slice of bread or marshmallow to trap moisture and keep your Soft Chocolate Crinkles tender.
Conclusion
Baking Soft Chocolate Crinkles is more than crafting dessert—it’s wrapping the joy of Christmas into every bite. With simple ingredients and heartwarming flavor, this Crinkle Cookies Recipe shines every season. Whether rolled by little hands or gifted with love, each cookie brings cheer and comfort to all who taste it.
These Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies remind us that sweet traditions need not be complicated to be meaningful. So dust your counter with sugar, preheat that oven, and watch your home fill with the scent of chocolate and joy. Each batch you bake keeps this simple, heartfelt tradition alive for many Christmases to come.
