Chocolate Raspberry Crinkles are rich, fudgy chocolate cookies with a soft brownie-like center and a sweet raspberry twist that makes them perfect for Christmas baking. They’re rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating those beautiful crackled tops that look snowy and festive. The combination of deep chocolate flavor and bright raspberry sweetness makes these Chocolate Raspberry Crinkles stand out on any holiday cookie tray, and they’re surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp raspberry extract or 2 tbsp raspberry jam
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until the mixture becomes thick and glossy, forming a dark chocolate base.
Step 2: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the batter becomes smooth and shiny. Mix in the raspberry extract or raspberry jam to add fruity flavor to the dough.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, similar to brownie batter.
Step 4: Fold in mini chocolate chips if you want extra chocolate richness in every bite.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling is important because it helps the dough firm up and creates the signature crinkle texture.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands.
Step 7: Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure they’re completely coated for a snowy finish.
Step 8: Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
Step 9: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops crack and the cookies look puffed. The centers will still be soft, which gives them that fudgy texture.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
VARIATIONS
• Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast
• Use black cocoa powder for a darker color and richer flavor
• Add fresh raspberry pieces for extra fruitiness
• Swap raspberry extract for cherry or strawberry for a different twist
• Roll in coarse sugar before powdered sugar for extra crunch
COOKING NOTES
• Chill the dough long enough so the cookies hold their shape
• Don’t overbake; soft centers create the fudgy texture
• Keep dough cold between batches for best crinkles
• Coat generously in powdered sugar for defined cracks
• Use room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
• Serve on Christmas cookie platters
• Pair with hot cocoa or coffee
• Gift in cookie tins or holiday boxes
• Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving
• Serve with fresh raspberries for a festive touch
TIPS
• Use raspberry extract for stronger flavor
• Measure flour correctly to avoid dry cookies
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Space cookies apart to allow spreading
• Let cookies cool completely for the perfect texture
PREP TIME / COOKING TIME / TOTAL TIME
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling)
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(Per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
Calories: ~115
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 2g
FAQs
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
The dough may not have been chilled long enough; cold dough helps create the crackled look when baking.
Can I use fresh raspberries?
- Fresh raspberries add moisture and can change the texture, so raspberry extract or jam works best.
Why are my cookies dry?
- Too much flour can cause dryness, so measure carefully and avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.
Can I freeze the dough?
- Yes, freeze rolled dough balls and thaw slightly before coating in powdered sugar and baking.
Can I make them ahead?
- Yes, you can chill the dough overnight or bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Chocolate Raspberry Crinkles are a beautiful mix of deep chocolate flavor and sweet raspberry brightness, making them a festive and delicious addition to holiday baking. They’re simple, eye-catching, and full of cozy Christmas flavor, perfect for parties, gifting, or enjoying at home during the holiday season.