These chocolate Christmas desserts are the ultimate easy chocolate crinkle cookies, featuring a rich cocoa dough that cracks open to reveal a soft, fudgy center. They’re ready in under an hour and create stunning festive Christmas cookies perfect for holiday platters, gift boxes, or a cozy treat with hot chocolate. The snowy powdered sugar coating makes them one of the most beautiful homemade Christmas treats you can bake.

I first tasted crinkle cookies at a Christmas market in Germany, their dark chocolate centers peeking through snowy fissures like little edible landscapes. They instantly became part of my holiday ritual, the recipe perfected over years of December baking sessions. I love serving these alongside my deeply rich German Chocolate Cake for dessert gatherings, or packing them into tins with other simple holiday cookies like my Brown Butter Chocolate Cookies for festive gifting. The aroma of cocoa and vanilla filling my kitchen signals that the holiday season has truly arrived.

Why These Holiday Crinkle Cookies Shine

Deep Chocolate Flavor: Made with a full cup of cocoa powder for intense richness.
Stunning Presentation: The crackled white and dark pattern looks professionally made.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough chills beautifully for fresh-baked cookies anytime.
Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Chewy edges with soft, brownie-like centers everyone loves.

Simple Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Christmas Desserts

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Sifted for lump-free batter and maximum chocolate intensity.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that signature crackled texture.
Vegetable oil: Creates an exceptionally moist, tender crumb that stays soft for days.
Large eggs: At room temperature to emulsify properly with the oil and sugar.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm notes that enhance the chocolate flavor beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the cookies cakey or dense.
Baking powder: The leavening agent responsible for the cookies’ puff and crackle.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor profile.
Confectioners’ sugar: For rolling creates that classic snowy white crust as they bake.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Make delicious chocolate Christmas desserts with these easy crinkle cookies. Perfect holiday baking recipe with rich cocoa flavor and festive powdered sugar coating.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 12

Total Time 2 52

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 36 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
whisk
spatula
electric mixer
measuring cups
measuring spoons
medium bowl
oven
baking sheets
parchment paper
cookie scoop
shallow bowl
wire rack
plastic wrap

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, for rolling

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until thoroughly combined and smooth. Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and glossy.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer or by hand with a spatula until just combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Place the confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and generously coat them in the sugar.
Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Let the dough chill thoroughly for the best texture and signature crinkle effect. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.

Keyword chocolate, Christmas desserts, cookies, holiday baking

Creative Ways to Customize Your Cookies

Mint Chocolate Variation: Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract with the vanilla for a festive twist.
Orange Zest Infusion: Stir in the zest of one orange for bright citrus notes.
Espresso Boost: Add 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies

Chill Thoroughly: Do not skip the chilling step, as firm dough creates better cracks.
Double Sugar Coating: Roll balls twice in powdered sugar for a thick, white crust.
Don’t Overbake: Remove when edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
Cool Properly: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet to set their structure.

Cozy Serving of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

How to Keep Your Christmas Cookies Fresh

Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days layered with parchment.
Freeze: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Refresh frozen cookies at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore that just-baked texture.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can freeze the dough balls before baking, then bake directly from frozen adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my crinkle cookies not crack?

If your cookies didn’t crack, the dough likely wasn’t chilled enough or was overmixed. The dough needs to be firm so the exterior sets quickly in the oven, creating tension that results in those beautiful cracks. Ensure you chill for at least 2 hours and avoid overworking the dough when mixing.

Can I make chocolate crinkle cookies without oil?

While oil creates the moist, tender texture characteristic of crinkle cookies, you can substitute an equal amount of melted butter. The cookies will have a slightly cakier texture and richer flavor, but will still develop those signature cracks when baked properly.

How far in advance can I make crinkle cookie dough?

You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance stored in the refrigerator, or freeze it for up to 3 months. This make-ahead convenience makes them perfect for holiday baking when you want fresh cookies ready to bake for guests or last-minute gifts.

Why are my crinkle cookies cakey instead of chewy?

Cakey cookies often result from overmixing the dough or using too much flour. Mix just until combined and be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping. Proper measuring ensures the ideal chewy texture.

More Festive Christmas Desserts to Try

Why These Are My Favorite Chocolate Christmas Desserts

With their dramatic cracked appearance and rich, fudgy centers, these crinkle cookies deliver professional bakery results with simple home baking techniques. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, as edible gifts, or as the star of your dessert table. I love how the recipe comes together quickly but looks impressively festive, making them one of the best chocolate desserts for spreading Christmas cheer.

Chocolate Christmas Crinkle Cookies