Are you tired of flat, uninspiring cookies that lack that wow factor? I know the feeling all too well. These Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles will transform your dessert game with their perfect balance of fudgy centers and crisp, crackled exteriors. Each bite delivers an explosion of rich chocolate flavor complemented by playful sprinkles that add both texture and visual appeal.
Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! As someone who has tested hundreds of cookie recipes in my kitchen, I’ve perfected these chocolate crinkle cookies through countless batches and taste tests. What started as a holiday tradition has evolved into a year-round favorite that consistently earns rave reviews from friends and family.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the best chocolate, my secret technique for achieving that perfect crinkle texture, foolproof baking tips, and creative variations to make these cookies your own signature treat. Let’s create some cookie magic together!
Why These Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles Work
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients most bakers already have on hand
- Requires just 15 minutes of prep time before chilling
- Perfect for holiday gifting, cookie exchanges, or everyday treats
- Delivers that bakery-quality appearance with minimal effort
- Maintains soft centers for days when stored properly
- Kid-friendly recipe that’s fun to make together
Choosing the Right Chocolate for Crinkle Cookies with Sprinkles
Best Chocolate Options
For truly exceptional crinkle chocolate cookies with sprinkles, the chocolate you choose makes all the difference. High-quality cocoa powder (Dutch-processed) provides the richest flavor base. For the most intense chocolate experience, use a combination of cocoa powder and melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate (60-70% cacao). The higher cacao percentage delivers a more sophisticated flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of sprinkles.
Buying Tips
Look for cocoa powder without added sugar or fillers—the ingredient list should simply read “cocoa.” For chocolate bars to melt into the batter, avoid chocolate chips as they contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. Instead, opt for baking bars or high-quality chocolate bars chopped into small pieces.
Substitutions
If you’re out of Dutch-processed cocoa, natural cocoa powder works in a pinch—just add 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. White chocolate or ruby chocolate can create interesting variations but will significantly alter the classic crinkle appearance and flavor profile.
Ingredients & Prep for Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles
Cookie Dough Essentials
- Butter preparation: Use room temperature butter for proper creaming
- Chocolate blooming: Mix cocoa powder with hot water to intensify flavor
- Mixing technique: Don’t overmix after adding flour to prevent tough cookies
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles (jimmies or nonpareils work best)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Pantry Staples
- Quality vanilla extract (not imitation) for authentic flavor
- Fresh baking powder (check expiration date)
- Fine sea salt to enhance chocolate notes
Step-by-Step Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Crinkle Chocolate Cookies
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add vanilla extract.
- Stir in melted chocolate until completely incorporated.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
Baking Method for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and sprinkles in another bowl.
- Scoop chilled dough into 1-inch balls (a cookie scoop works perfectly).
- Roll each ball in sprinkles first, pressing gently to adhere, then coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies have spread and tops have cracked.
Doneness Check for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Cookies are ready when edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft. The powdered sugar coating should show distinct crinkle patterns with the colorful sprinkles peeking through.
Cooling Crinkle Chocolate Cookies
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This resting period allows them to set properly without breaking.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Chill dough thoroughly this prevents cookies from spreading too much
- Roll in powdered sugar generously a thick coating creates more dramatic crinkles
- Don’t overbake they should still be soft in the center when removed from oven
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the dough
- Apply sprinkles before powdered sugar for best adhesion
Tool Recommendations
- Cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking
- Stand mixer for efficient creaming of butter and sugar
- Cooling racks for proper air circulation
- Heavy-bottom baking sheets that won’t warp
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy release
Storage & Freshness
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze unbaked dough, roll into balls, coat in sprinkles (skip powdered sugar), freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags roll in powdered sugar just before baking from frozen (add 2-3 minutes to baking time).
Looking for more cookie inspiration? Check out my collection of creative cookie recipes on Pinterest where I share weekly baking ideas that will make your mouth water!
Flavor Variations for Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles
Festive Holiday Options
- Christmas: Use red and green sprinkles with a hint of peppermint extract
- Halloween: Orange and black sprinkles with a touch of orange zest
- Valentine’s Day: Pink and red heart sprinkles with a drop of raspberry extract
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
- Vegan: Replace butter with plant-based butter and eggs with flax eggs
- Reduced Sugar: Cut granulated sugar by ¼ cup and use sugar-free chocolate
Flavor Twists
- Mocha Crinkles: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients
- Spiced Chocolate: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne
- Orange Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the batter for a citrus kick
| Variation | Added Ingredients | Sprinkle Recommendation | Baking Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Chocolate | ½ cup chocolate chunks | Chocolate jimmies | None |
| Mint Chocolate | ½ tsp mint extract | Green or white sprinkles | None |
| S’mores | ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs | Gold sugar crystals | Add marshmallow on top last 2 min |
| Red Velvet | 2 tsp red food coloring | White nonpareils | Reduce cocoa to ¼ cup |
| Nutty Chocolate | ½ cup chopped walnuts | Bronze sugar pearls | Add 1-2 minutes |
Serving Suggestions for Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles
- Create a dessert board with these cookies as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries and chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert
- Stack cookies in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for homemade presents
- Pair with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for the ultimate chocolate experience
- Serve alongside coffee or milk for afternoon snacks or after-school treats
- Create ice cream sandwiches by pressing a scoop of peppermint ice cream between two cookies
FAQs About Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle properly?
The most common reason is that the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Also, be generous with the powdered sugar coating and ensure your oven is properly preheated.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls (before coating in sugar) for up to 3 months.
What type of sprinkles work best?
Jimmies (the long, thin sprinkles) adhere best to the dough. Nonpareils (tiny balls) work too but tend to bleed color more easily. Avoid large decorative sprinkles as they may burn during baking.
Why did my cookies flatten too much?
This typically happens if your butter was too soft or if the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to use room temperature (not melted) butter and chill the dough thoroughly.
Can I skip the sprinkles?
Yes! Traditional chocolate crinkle cookies don’t include sprinkles. Simply roll the dough balls directly in powdered sugar for a classic look.
Conclusion
These Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles represent everything I love about baking – they’re visually stunning, deliciously chocolatey, and bring smiles to everyone who tries them. The contrast between the fudgy interior, slightly crisp exterior, and the pop of color from the sprinkles makes them irresistible for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking these for a special celebration, holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your chocolate cravings, these cookies deliver big on flavor with relatively little effort. The joy of watching them transform in the oven as they develop their characteristic crinkles is part of their magic!
I’d love to see your creations! Tag @foodydish on social media when you make these cookies, and join thousands of home bakers who’ve already fallen in love with this recipe. And while you’re exploring the world of cookies, don’t miss my Lemon Shortbread Cookies, Classic Snickerdoodles, or Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies for more baking adventures!
Print
Crinkle Chocolate Cookies with Sprinkles: 7 Irresistible Bites!
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies coated in powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles crackly on the outside, rich and brownie-like on the inside, perfect for holidays and celebrations.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a thick dough forms.
5. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes for easier handling.
6. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar, then gently roll in sprinkles.
7. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until tops are crackled but centers remain soft.
9. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Do not overbake — cookies will firm up as they cool.
For extra chocolate flavor, add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: crinkle cookies, chocolate cookies, sprinkle cookies, holiday cookies