Name: Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 3 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons (51g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (180g) mini or regular size semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3 Tablespoons (35g) granulated sugar (for rolling); 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar (for rolling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 83 reviews

If you are a chocolate lover, prepare to fall head over heels for this Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies pack not one but two kinds of chocolate goodness, combining rich cocoa and melty chocolate chips that create soft centers with irresistibly crisp, crackly edges. Extra thick and decadent, they taste like a tender bite of brownie, melting in your mouth warm from the oven. Whether you need a special treat to brighten your day or a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, this Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a dark brown, crumbly chocolate dough mixture with a thick texture. A wooden spatula with a bright red silicone head is partially buried on the right side of the dough, resting against the bowl’s inner edge. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with soft, natural light illuminating the scene, making the chocolate dough look rich and dense. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Though the ingredient list might look a little long, you probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge. Each carefully chosen ingredient plays a crucial role—from the butter that gives softness, to the cocoa powder that brings deep chocolate flavor, and the sugars that balance moisture and texture perfectly.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb, so be sure it’s softened but not melted.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and contributes to the crispy edges you’ll love.
Light or dark brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to the cookies.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Helps bind ingredients and adds structure to your dough.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavors with a warm, fragrant hint.
All-purpose flour (1 cup, spooned & leveled): Forms the sturdy base for the dough.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons): Delivers that deep, intense chocolate flavor everyone craves.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the cookies spread and rise just right.
Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, mini or regular size): Double down on chocolate with these melting pockets of delight.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): For rolling your cookie dough before the confectioners’ sugar coating, adding an extra crunchy bite.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Gives the classic crackled appearance and a snowy dusting that defines crinkle cookies.

How to Make Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns fluffy and light in color, about 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed. This step ensures your cookies will have that perfect tender texture and the right amount of sweetness. Then add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to incorporate all those buttery bits.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate Chocolate Chips

Whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening and chocolate flavor. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed to avoid flour clouds. Once combined, fold in the chocolate chips—these will melt just enough while baking to create those luscious chocolate bursts in every bite. Remember, the dough will be thick and sticky here, which is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling is absolutely mandatory for this recipe as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and roll, and it intensifies the chocolate flavors. It also stops the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, keeping them delightfully thick and fudgy.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Once chilled, let your dough rest at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes depending on how long it chilled. This warming step makes rolling the dough balls easier and prevents cracking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—these prevent sticking and help your cookies come out perfectly.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat Your Cookies

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie; a medium cookie scoop can save you time here. Roll each ball lightly in granulated sugar first, which adds crunch, then generously coat it in confectioners’ sugar for that signature crackled finish. Place the dough balls 3 inches apart on your baking trays to give them room to spread.

Step 6: Bake Until Set and Slightly Soft

Bake your cookies for 11 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be set with a nicely cracked surface while keeping the centers soft and almost underbaked in appearance. If your cookies aren’t spreading much by minute 9, simply take the baking tray out and gently bang it on the counter a couple of times to encourage spreading, then return them to the oven to finish baking.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will deflate slightly as they cool, revealing their perfectly tender centers contrasted by crisp edges. Now comes the hardest part: waiting until they’re cool enough to eat.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A white, lace-edged plate holds seven round chocolate cookies covered with cracked white powdered sugar, showing dark brown dough through the cracks. The cookies have a rough, powdery texture on top and a slightly soft inside look. The plate is placed on a deep red cloth with a textured pattern, lying over a white marbled surface. Two more cookies are partly visible, one near the top right corner and one near the bottom left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving gives these cookies a beautiful snowy look that makes them feel extra festive. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some edible gold flakes or mini chocolate shavings on top. You can even drizzle a little melted white or dark chocolate to contrast with the rich darkness of the cookies themselves.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with cold milk, hot coffee, or a creamy glass of vanilla almond milk. For a more decadent experience, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A bowl of fresh berries adds a refreshing balance to the intense chocolate flavors, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Line a rustic wooden board with parchment and stack your Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies together for a cozy, inviting dessert display. Wrap them in pretty cellophane tied with twine for charming gifts. Alternatively, sandwich them with marshmallow fluff or softened chocolate ganache to create fudgy cookie ice cream sandwiches that will wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, though honestly, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking by rolling them in sugars and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen but add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm cookie after storage or freezing, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. This brings back that gooey, freshly baked sensation in no time.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural cocoa?

For this Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe, natural cocoa powder is recommended because baking soda requires an acidic ingredient to react properly. Dutch-process cocoa is neutral and might affect the cookie’s rise and texture.

Why is chilling the dough necessary?

Chilling solidifies the butter, slowing cookie spread and allowing flavors to meld and intensify. It also makes the dough easier to handle since it’s quite sticky initially.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter provides essential flavor and structure. Using margarine or oil may change the texture and taste, potentially resulting in a less tender or rich cookie.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough well and do not skip the chilling step. Also, use parchment paper or silicone mats and avoid adding extra butter or oil to the dough.

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini?

Absolutely! The recipe works great with both sizes. Mini chips distribute more evenly, but regular chips give big pockets of melted chocolate which can be a delicious surprise.

Final Thoughts

This Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream come true—thick, fudgy, and bursting with chocolate in every bite. The crackled sugar crust and soft centers make these cookies incredibly special and perfect any time you need a little chocolate comfort. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these delightful treats with your loved ones. Get ready to bake some joy into your day!