Best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – A Holiday Favorite Made Simple

There’s something magical about a cookie that looks like it’s been dusted with fresh snow. These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a holiday favorite—but they’re so delicious and easy to make, you’ll want them year-round. With their soft, fudgy centers and signature crackled tops, they deliver all the indulgence of a classic treat with a lighter, more mindful twist.

Perfect for cookie swaps, dessert trays, or a sweet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies bring together rich cocoa flavor and a beautiful texture, all while being friendly to your goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: Deep cocoa taste in every bite.
• Soft and Chewy: Fudgy centers with crisp, crackled edges.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just chill, roll, and bake.
• Lighter Ingredients: Made with smart swaps to fit a balanced lifestyle.
• Festive Appearance: That powdered sugar finish looks like a snowy day!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup powdered erythritol (or preferred sugar substitute), divided
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional for extra richness)

Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat eggs, applesauce, vanilla extract, and ½ cup of the powdered sweetener until smooth.

Form the Dough

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips, if using.

Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Shape and Coat

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and coat generously in the remaining powdered sweetener.

Bake

Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and crackled on top. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 55
• Carbs: 8g
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Chill Is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step—it prevents sticky dough and helps cookies hold their shape.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform size and even baking.
• Extra Crackle: Roll each dough ball in powdered sweetener twice for a bolder snowy finish.
• Flavor Boost: Add a dash of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

These cookies combine nostalgic flavor with clever ingredient swaps to satisfy chocolate cravings in a more balanced way. The applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness, while the sugar substitute keeps things light without compromising taste. With their classic holiday look and rich texture, they’re a sweet treat you can feel good about sharing—or keeping all to yourself.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are proof that you don’t need tons of butter or sugar to make a memorable dessert. They’re rich, chewy, and festive enough for a celebration but simple enough for an everyday treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these cookies are bound to be a new favorite—one delicious bite at a time.