Perfect Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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Crinkle cookies are the holiday season’s secret weapon: crackly on the outside, rich and fudgy on the inside, and coated with snowy powdered sugar that creates the most stunning contrast once baked. These Perfect Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies go a step further by doubling up on the chocolate—cocoa powder for deep flavor and chocolate chips for melty pockets in every bite.

They’re festive, crave-worthy, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re prepping a cookie exchange box or need an easy dessert that still makes a statement, these cookies will never let you down. Kids love them, adults hoard them, and they vanish faster than you can say “just one more.”

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring these Perfect Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies to life, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference:

• Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for your dry ingredients and another for the wet. A third bowl helps when combining everything smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: Creaming butter and sugar to the right texture is easier and more efficient with a mixer.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Ensures even-sized cookies that bake consistently. A medium scoop is ideal here.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly while protecting your baking sheets.
• Baking Sheets: Sturdy, flat baking sheets are essential to avoid cookie spread and promote even baking.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate under the cookies as they cool, preventing sogginess.

With just these few tools, you’ll be set up for cookie success and an ultra-satisfying crackled finish.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base structure of the cookies, giving them body and that perfect soft bite.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor. Use high-quality cocoa for the best results.
• Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent, helping the cookies puff slightly to achieve those iconic cracks.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that chewy texture.
• Eggs: Add richness and bind the ingredients together while also contributing to the fudgy interior.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and gives them a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For melty, gooey bursts of chocolate in every bite.
• Powdered Sugar: Rolled on the outside before baking to create that crinkle effect and sweet visual appeal.

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How To Make the Perfect Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Fold in the chocolate chips. The dough will be thick and sticky.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll. Chilling is essential for that perfect crinkle texture and to prevent spreading.

Step 5: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.

Step 6: Roll and Coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll them into balls. Generously coat each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully covered.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are crackled and the edges are set.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the rich, fudgy magic!

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How to Serve and Store Perfect Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the chocolate chips are still a little melty—absolutely irresistible with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. Arrange them on a festive plate or cookie tray during the holidays for a show-stopping centerpiece.

To store, let the cookies cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls (before rolling in sugar) and bake fresh batches anytime a craving strikes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes crinkle cookies crack on top?

The cracks come from rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar and then baking it while it’s still cold. As the cookies expand in the oven, the surface splits, creating the classic crinkle look.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made 1-2 days ahead and kept refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. In fact, chilling enhances the texture and shape.

Why is my crinkle coating not powdery after baking?

If the dough isn’t well-chilled or you don’t use enough powdered sugar, the coating can melt into the cookie. Be generous with the coating and make sure the dough is firm.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, but it will change the texture slightly. Butter adds more richness but may result in slightly flatter cookies compared to oil.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! Their stunning appearance and rich flavor make them a great addition to cookie tins, gift boxes, or holiday exchanges.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans are delicious, and a hint of espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor even more.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Perfect Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cookie delights from Life With Olivia:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies with a buttery melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Brownie Mix Cookies for a quick chocolate fix with brownie richness.
• Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge if you’re craving something chewy and sweet.
• Traditional German Lebkuchen for a spiced holiday classic.
• Grape Crush Cupcakes if you’re in the mood for a fruity dessert surprise.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time. Visit my Pinterest here.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add espresso or switch up the chips? Did your crinkle pattern come out perfectly crackled?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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