If you are a chocolate lover, you are going to fall head over heels for this Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor and soft, fudgy texture, highlighted by the delightful crinkled powdered sugar exterior that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers a homemade treat that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking cookies that melt in your mouth with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, structure, or that deep cocoa flavor that sets these Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies apart.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture for a chewy center.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with subtle warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure for the cookies.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs in the intense chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the chocolate taste.
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Adds delightful melty pockets of chocolate.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating): Creates the signature crinkly look and adds a sweet finish.
How to Make Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Getting this step done upfront will keep your baking process smooth.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for ensuring your cookies have a tender crumb and a beautiful rise.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and build the dough’s structure. Stir in the vanilla extract to boost the cookie’s flavor profile with a lovely aromatic touch.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together. Whisking helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly, which is crucial for consistent texture and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to scatter melty chocolate surprises throughout the dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle, and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, giving you that perfect crinkle appearance.
Step 7: Shape and Coat
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Generously coat each ball with powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully covered. This coating is what creates that iconic crackled surface when baked.
Step 8: Arrange and Bake
Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to watch for set edges with soft centers — they harden beautifully as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let your freshly baked cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies set perfectly without losing any of their fudgy middle.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, dust your Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or additional powdered sugar right before serving. You can also try a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a beautiful visual contrast and added sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. The combination balances the rich chocolate flavors with creamy or refreshing textures, making dessert time extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking these cookies on a festive plate wrapped with a colorful ribbon for gift-giving, or arrange them on a dessert platter alongside fresh berries and whipped cream. Their striking crinkled appearance makes them a show-stopping treat on any cookie tray.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed will preserve their soft, fudgy texture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply shape and coat them with powdered sugar before freezing on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If you want to revive the freshness of baked cookies, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will soften them up nicely without drying them out, almost as good as fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a richer, slightly more bitter note that pairs beautifully with the cocoa powder.
Why do the cookies crack during baking?
The cracks happen because the dough is coated with powdered sugar before baking, and as the cookies spread and rise in the oven, the surface cracks, revealing the rich chocolate interior beneath. It’s the signature look of crinkle cookies.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling is highly recommended because it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much when baked, which helps achieve that perfect thick and chewy texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder, you can enjoy gluten-free Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies without compromising texture or flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for cookies with edges that are set but centers that still look slightly soft and underbaked. They firm up as they cool, giving you that fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking homemade Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe that brings joy to both the baker and anyone lucky enough to take a bite. With their fudgy centers, crackly sugar tops, and irresistibly rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a game-changer for any dessert lover. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make your kitchen smell like the coziest chocolate haven. Happy baking!
Print
Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, perfect for chocolate lovers craving a soft, chewy texture with a crackled powdered sugar coating. These classic cookies combine cocoa powder and chocolate chips for an intensely chocolaty treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate evenly.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and help cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Then coat each ball thoroughly with powdered sugar for the distinctive crinkle effect.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still appear soft. Remember, cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and creates the crinkled surface texture.
- You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preferred sweetness.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder or using bittersweet chocolate chips.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Do not overbake; slightly underbaked centers yield a soft and chewy texture after cooling.

