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Wooden board with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies stacked on it
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5 from 8 votes

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft, chewy chocolate cookies rolled in powdered sugar that make a delicious Christmas cookie and freeze great!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 16 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36
Calories: 86kcal
Author: Julie Evink

Ingredients

  • ½ c. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 c. granulated sugar
  • ¼ c. butter room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 c. powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl combine cocoa, granulated sugar and butter. Beat on medium in a stand mixer or with hand held mixer until combined. Add eggs and beat on low until just combined.
  • Add in vanilla, salt, baking powder and flour and beat on low until combined.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator to chill for 4 hours.
  • When chill time is done, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Place powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl.
  • Roll the dough into 1 inch balls then coat in powdered sugar.
  • Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet at least 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10 minutes in preheated oven.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a sheet pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Video

Notes

Can you make the dough ahead?
Yes, you can make the dough and keep in the refrigerator for two to three days before baking the cookies. Or, you can make the dough balls and freeze them for later.
To freeze them, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer container, and they will keep for two months. When you are ready to bake them, let them thaw, roll them in powdered sugar, and pop them in the oven!
Butter or Shortening?
It’s really a toss up on this one. We tested it both ways and we had a hard time deciding, but liked the recipe using butter just a bit better!
Why are my chocolate crinkle cookies flat?
Did you chill the dough? This allows the butter to firm up, so the cookies don’t spread too much while they bake, so make sure you chill the dough for at least four hours before baking the cookies.
Another reason they came out flat could be the baking powder. Double-check that it’s not expired. If the baking powder doesn’t activate, the cookies won’t puff up while baking.
Can you freeze baked cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies after they are fully cooled. I usually place them in a container separating each layer with wax paper. They will keep for up to a month. Just keep in mind that the powdered sugar may dissolve a bit when they thaw.
How do you keep them fresh?
The first step is to ensure they are completely cooled before storing them. Once cooled, you will need an airtight container to store them in.
For best results, I recommend placing them in layers with wax paper separating each layer. They will keep four to five days at room temperature!

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg