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Vintage Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 72 reviews

These Vintage Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rich, fudgy, and delightfully crackled on the outside with a soft, chewy center. Rolled in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle effect, they make a perfect nostalgic treat for chocolate lovers, ideal for holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened dutch cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon table salt

Coating

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for rolling dough balls in)

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar and oil: Using either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a medium bowl with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat together the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined and smooth.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla: Lower the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then incorporate the vanilla extract until fully blended.
  3. Incorporate cocoa and espresso powder: Add the unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder and espresso powder into the wet mixture. Mix just until incorporated, scrapping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even distribution.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the dough firm up for easier handling and enhances flavor.
  6. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Form cookie balls and coat: Place sifted powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out dough and roll each portion into a ball. Roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until well coated. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until crackles form on the surface, edges are set, and the centers remain soft.
  9. Cool: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once cooled.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential for proper texture and crackle formation.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures even coating.
  • Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Cookie centers should look slightly soft when removed from the oven as they firm up while cooling.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Keywords: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Vintage Cookies, Fudgy Chocolate Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Easy Chocolate Dessert