Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are not only rich and fudgy but also easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply treating yourself, these gluten-free delights will please your taste buds. With their chewy texture and delightful cracks, they stand out in both flavor and appearance, ensuring they’re a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates an indulgent taste that chocolate lovers crave.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal equipment, you can bake these cookies without stress.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, these cookies allow everyone to enjoy a sweet treat.
- Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or casual snacking—these cookies fit right in!
- Dairy-Free Option: A great choice for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free recipes.

Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools ready. This will ensure a smooth baking process and perfectly baked cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process of butter and sugar, ensuring a light texture.
- Cookie scoop: Helps portion out uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for cookies to bake evenly without burning.
- Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies so they cool properly without becoming soggy.
Ingredients
These gluten free chocolate crinkle cookies are rich, easy to make and perfect for the Holidays. With a fudgy and chewy texture, this dairy free recipe is totally crowd pleasing.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup butter (at room temperature)
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 2 eggs
– 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
– 1 cup + 1 tablespoon gluten free all purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2-1 teaspoon espresso powder
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup white sugar
How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Cream together the sugar and butter with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients (except for chocolate chips). Ensure you spoon and level the cocoa powder and flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually beat in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Place the cookie dough in the fridge for at least 2 hours (ideally 4 hours) to allow it to set properly.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare to scoop out your cookies.
Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with regular sugar to create your coating mixture.
Step 9: Scoop Dough Balls
Use a medium cookie scoop (about 1½ – 2 tablespoons) to roll dough into balls. If needed, use slightly damp hands to prevent sticking.
Step 10: Roll in Sugar Coating
Roll each dough ball in the sugar mixture before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 11: Bake Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 9-13 minutes. They may require slight adjustments based on your oven. Typically, I recommend around 10-11 minutes.
Step 12: Cool Down
After removing from the oven, let cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!
How to Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be served in creative and delicious manners.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your chocolate crinkle cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The milk complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange several chocolate crinkle cookies on a dessert platter alongside other baked goods like brownies and cupcakes for an appealing dessert spread.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm chocolate crinkle cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold creates an indulgent treat.
With Fresh Berries
- Accompany your cookies with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Gift Wrapped
- Pack chocolate crinkle cookies in decorative boxes or bags as homemade gifts. They make a thoughtful present for friends and family during the holidays.
How to Perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Perfecting your chocolate crinkle cookies ensures they are fudgy, chewy, and utterly delicious. Follow these tips to elevate your cookie game.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least two hours helps maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips to enrich the cookie’s taste.
- Measure Accurately: Spoon and level your flour and cocoa powder for precise measurements, preventing overly dense cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them as they bake; removing them while slightly underdone leads to that perfect chewy texture.
- Dust Generously: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for that signature crinkle effect and sweetness.
- Test Your Oven: Ovens can vary in temperature; using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking times.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
While chocolate crinkle cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with warm cookies.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with chewy cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a healthy balance to the richness of chocolate crinkle cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: Serve alongside coffee or espresso to enhance the flavors of the chocolate in your cookies.
- Cheese Platter: A cheese platter with mild cheeses offers an unexpected savory element that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your cookies for an additional layer of sweetness and depth.
- Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts brings crunchiness, offering variety against soft cookie textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chocolate crinkle cookies can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid while baking.
- Skipping the chill time: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to spreading during baking. Always allow the dough to set for at least 2 hours.
- Incorrect ingredient measurements: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Instead, spoon and level your ingredients for accuracy.
- Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long can make your cookies dry. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re slightly underdone.
- Using warm ingredients: If your butter is too warm, your cookies may spread too much. Ensure butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Not rolling in sugar properly: Failing to roll the dough balls in sugar can result in less crinkle effect. Make sure each ball is well coated before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store chocolate crinkle cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a covered pan on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about chocolate crinkle cookies that might help you with your baking journey.
What makes chocolate crinkle cookies different from other cookies?
Chocolate crinkle cookies have a unique cracked appearance due to rolling in powdered sugar before baking. This gives them their signature look and chewy texture.
Can I make chocolate crinkle cookies dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is already dairy-free as it uses butter alternatives. You can also substitute with vegan butter if desired.
How do I achieve the best texture for my chocolate crinkle cookies?
For the best texture, ensure you chill the dough adequately and measure your ingredients correctly. This helps maintain their fudgy consistency.
Are chocolate crinkle cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe uses gluten-free all-purpose flour, making it perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
These chocolate crinkle cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can add nuts or swap out chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate, catering to various tastes. Try this recipe and delight your friends and family with these irresistible treats!
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Indulge in the delightful experience of chocolate crinkle cookies—rich, fudgy bites that are gluten-free and sure to impress. These easy-to-make treats feature a chewy texture with a signature cracked appearance, making them perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple snack cravings. With a harmonious blend of cocoa powder and chocolate chips, each cookie is a chocolate lover’s dream. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or as part of a dessert platter, these cookies bring joy to every bite. Prepare to wow your friends and family with this irresistible recipe!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2–1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (cocoa powder, gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
- Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Chill dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Roll chilled dough into balls and coat in a mixture of powdered sugar and regular sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg