Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies Recipe
These Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies combine the rich, fudgy goodness of dark chocolate with bursts of sweet and tart cherry preserves or dried cherries. Rolled in a dual coating of granulated and powdered sugar, they develop the iconic cracked tops that reveal their soft, chewy centers. Perfectly suited for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a decadent, impressive cookie that’s quick to prepare and utterly delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 5 minutes cooling of melted chocolate
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or canola oil
- 4 oz (113g) high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
- 1 ¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120g) cherry preserves (with fruit pieces) OR ¾ cup chopped dried cherries
For the Coating:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegetable oil and chopped chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to prevent cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture with granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently stir with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Carefully fold in the cherry preserves or chopped dried cherries to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Prep the Sugar Coatings: Place ½ cup granulated sugar in one shallow bowl and 1 cup powdered sugar in another, preparing for the rolling process.
- Shape & Coat: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls. Roll each dough ball first in the granulated sugar until fully coated, then roll it in the powdered sugar to create a thick, snowy layer that will develop the crackled effect during baking.
- Bake: Arrange the coated cookie balls on parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheets at least 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should appear puffed and cracked on top but remain soft in the center. Press lightly on the center to check—they should feel slightly underdone. Avoid overbaking as the cookies will firm up as they cool.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The powdered sugar will settle into the cracks, creating the signature crinkle appearance. Enjoy once fully cooled or store as desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the best rich and balanced flavor.
- Room temperature eggs help create a smooth, emulsified dough.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Cherry preserves provide fruit pieces that bring better texture compared to jam.
- Rolling twice in sugar ensures the iconic crinkled look and sweetness balance.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to preserve the powdered sugar coating.
- Gluten-Free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Vegan variation: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water) and dairy-free chocolate.
- Cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze baked cookies without powdered sugar for up to 2 months; thaw and roll in sugar before serving.
- For enhanced flavor, add ½ tsp almond extract with the vanilla or swap dark chocolate with white chocolate for a white chocolate cherry version.
Keywords: chocolate cherry cookies, crinkle cookies, holiday cookies, fudgy cookies, cherry preserves, chocolate crinkles, festive dessert
