Soft Fudgy Chocolate Cookies

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These chocolate crinkle cookies feature a soft, fudgy texture enhanced by rich cocoa and a crackled powdered sugar finish. The dough is chilled for an hour to firm up before baking, ensuring perfectly puffed and tender cookies. Quick to prepare, they combine simple dry ingredients like flour and cocoa with wet ingredients including sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Once baked, the result is a sweet treat ideal for holiday trays or everyday enjoyment.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:48:00 GMT
Fudgy Simple Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, covered in powdered sugar, ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk. Save
Fudgy Simple Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, covered in powdered sugar, ready to be enjoyed with a glass of milk. | olivebriar.com

Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies with a crackled, powdered sugar finish—perfect for holiday trays and easy enough for any baker.

This simple chocolate crinkle cookie recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (50 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.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Step 3:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until a thick dough forms.
Step 4:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6:
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
Step 7:
Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 8:
Bake for 10 12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and cracked but still soft in the center.
Step 9:
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
A warm, freshly baked batch of Simple Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with beautiful crackled tops on a baking sheet. Pin it
A warm, freshly baked batch of Simple Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with beautiful crackled tops on a baking sheet. | olivebriar.com

Baking these cookies always brings my family together during the holidays.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Measuring cups and spoons, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, Wheat (gluten). May contain: Soy (check cocoa powder and chocolate chips if added). Always verify ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 85, Total Fat: 3.5 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 1 g (per cookie)

These homemade Simple Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have a tempting look, perfect for sharing and satisfying cravings everywhere. Pin it
These homemade Simple Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have a tempting look, perfect for sharing and satisfying cravings everywhere. | olivebriar.com

These chocolate crinkle cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion and simple to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives the cookies their crackled appearance?

Rolling the dough balls generously in powdered sugar creates the signature crackled surface as the cookies expand during baking.

Why is the dough refrigerated before baking?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies retain their shape while baking.

Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes, folding in mini chocolate chips adds extra bursts of chocolate flavor and texture.

What alternatives can I use for vanilla extract?

Peppermint extract is a festive substitute that complements the chocolate beautifully.

How should the cookies be stored?

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

Soft Fudgy Chocolate Cookies

Soft, fudgy chocolate crinkles with a crackled powdered sugar coating, simple and delicious.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat sugar and vegetable oil until well combined; add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Form dough: Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients, stirring until a thick dough forms.

Step 04

Chill dough: Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls; coat each ball generously with powdered sugar.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are puffed, cracked, and soft in the center.

Step 09

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

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs and wheat (gluten)
  • May contain soy depending on cocoa powder and chocolate chip brands

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 85
  • Total Fat: 3.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 1 g