Soft fudgy chocolate cookies

Featured in: Sweet & Salty Treats

These chocolate crinkle delights feature a rich, fudgy center wrapped in a crisp, crackled coating of powdered sugar. The dough, chilled for an hour, ensures perfect texture after baking. Combining cocoa, sugar, and vanilla creates a balanced sweet flavor. Baking at 350°F yields treats that are irresistibly soft and chewy inside with a crisp outer layer. Ideal for sharing or enjoying with tea or coffee.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:03:00 GMT
Warm, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, ready for a dessert plate. Save
Warm, crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, ready for a dessert plate. | williesnack.com

Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackled, powdered sugar exterior these classic treats are irresistibly chewy inside and delightfully crisp outside.

This is a timeless cookie recipe I have enjoyed baking with family during holidays they never disappoint and always bring smiles.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Rolling: 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt set aside
Step 2:
In a large bowl mix sugar and oil until combined Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition Stir in vanilla extract
Step 3:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing just until incorporated The dough will be sticky
Step 4:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the dough is firm enough to handle
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
Step 6:
Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch/2.5 cm in diameter) Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely
Step 7:
Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets
Step 8:
Bake for 10 12 minutes until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the centers
Step 9:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Perfectly round Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy interior and beautiful crackled topping, served on a tray. Save
Perfectly round Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a fudgy interior and beautiful crackled topping, served on a tray. | williesnack.com

Baking these cookies has become a cherished family tradition bringing everyone together with laughter and sweet memories.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 90 calories 3 g total fat 15 g carbohydrates and 1 g protein.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs Manufactured cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy check labels if concerned.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Whisk Hand mixer or wooden spoon Plastic wrap Baking sheets Parchment paper Cookie scoop or tablespoon Cooling rack.

Freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, smelling of rich cocoa, a delicious American dessert favorite. Save
Freshly baked Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, smelling of rich cocoa, a delicious American dessert favorite. | williesnack.com

These cookies are perfect for any occasion and once you try them they will quickly become your favorite treat.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What gives these treats their crackled appearance?

Rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking creates the signature crackled exterior as the sugar cracks during expansion in the oven.

Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

Butter can be used but may change the texture slightly, resulting in a richer, less chewy finished product.

How long should the dough chill before baking?

Chilling the dough for at least one hour firms it up, making it easier to handle and promoting the crackled texture.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain softness and flavor.

Can I enhance the chocolate flavor further?

Adding half a teaspoon of instant espresso powder intensifies the chocolate notes without altering the texture.

Soft fudgy chocolate cookies

Soft, fudgy chocolate with crackled, powdered sugar coating and a delightfully chewy center.

Prep time
20 min
Time to cook
10 min
Total duration
30 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 24 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly, No dairy

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup vegetable oil
03 2 large eggs
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Rolling

01 1/2 cup powdered sugar

How to make it

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. The dough will be sticky.

Step 04

Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm enough to handle.

Step 05

Prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 06

Form dough balls: Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.

Step 07

Arrange for baking: Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 08

Bake cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the centers.

Step 09

Cool completely: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools you'll need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or wooden spoon
  • Plastic wrap
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Cooling rack

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs; cocoa powder may contain traces of nuts or soy

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 1 g