Soft Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Holiday)

There’s something utterly magical about Soft Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Holiday) that makes them a must-bake during the festive season. These cookies are the perfect blend of fudgy, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth softness, with that iconic crackled powdered sugar exterior that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing with family, or just craving a cozy treat, these cookies deliver everything you want in a holiday cookie without any fuss.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

Soft Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Holiday) stand out because of their irresistibly soft texture combined with a rich cocoa flavor that’s not overpowering but deeply comforting. Many crinkle cookies can be cakey or dry, but this recipe uses vegetable oil and eggs to keep the cookies moist and tender inside. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it perfect for holiday baking marathons. Plus, the process of rolling each dough ball in powdered sugar creates that signature crackle effect as the cookies spread and bake.

Unlike recipes that call for butter, this one’s oil-based, which adds to the softness and makes the cookies wonderfully chewy. The balance of cocoa powder and sugar ensures just the right amount of chocolatey sweetness. This recipe also uses baking powder for the lift, which helps maintain that tender crumb without making the cookies too cakey.

What Goes In

• 1 cup granulated sugar – provides sweetness and structure
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – keeps the cookies soft and moist
• 2 large eggs – binds the dough and adds richness
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base of the dough
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – gives that deep chocolate flavor
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cookies rise slightly
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness and intensifies flavor
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar – for rolling the dough balls to create the crackled effect

Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls: A medium and a large bowl for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Whisk and spatula: To mix the batter smoothly without overworking.
• Baking sheet: A rimmed or flat baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Cooling rack: To cool the cookies evenly after baking.
• Cookie scoop or spoon: For shaping the dough into evenly sized balls.

The Method for Soft Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Holiday)

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture will be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for even mixing.

Step 3: Bring the Batter Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain. The dough will be sticky and thick.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading.

Step 5: Form and Roll the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out about 1.5 tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll it generously in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Step 6: Bake

Place the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have cracked beautifully on top but still feel soft in the center.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool but remain soft and tender inside.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• Vegetable oil: Substitute with light olive oil or melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup for a gluten-free version.
• Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Try almond extract or peppermint extract to give your cookies a festive twist.
• Powdered sugar: If unavailable, finely ground granulated sugar mixed with a tiny bit of cornstarch can work in a pinch.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

• This recipe is designed to yield soft, fudgy cookies rather than crunchy or cakey ones. If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake 1-2 minutes longer.
• Chilling the dough is essential for achieving that perfect crackle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
• Be generous when rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar—this helps create that signature crinkle look and adds a sweet contrast to the rich chocolate.
• For extra holiday flair, consider sprinkling a few festive colored sugar crystals on top before baking or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
• These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee during the chilly winter months.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Soft Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Holiday) stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. The bread absorbs excess dryness, keeping your cookies tender. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based oil like coconut or vegetable oil. Ensure your vanilla extract is also vegan-friendly.

Why do my crinkle cookies spread too much?

Overly warm dough or too much oil can cause spreading. Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking and measure the oil accurately. Using parchment paper or a silicone mat also helps prevent excess spreading.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough after mixing to add texture and extra bursts of flavor.

How do I get the perfect crackled top?

Rolling the chilled dough generously in powdered sugar and baking at the right temperature ensures that the cookie surface cracks beautifully as it bakes. Don’t skip chilling or the powdered sugar coating!

More from the Kitchen

• Maple Cinnamon Sugar Cookies – warm spices and a sweet maple twist perfect for holiday baking.
• Toffee Crunch Cookies – crunchy, buttery treats loaded with toffee bits.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Marble Loaf – a moist, swirled loaf combining seasonal pumpkin and rich chocolate flavors.

See You at the Table

Soft Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Holiday) bring a warm, comforting vibe to any gathering and make holiday moments even sweeter. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or a quiet night in, these cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of tender, chocolatey delights that everyone will adore. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking and happy holidays!

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