Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Chocolate crinkle cookies bring pure decadence to plant-based dessert lovers seeking indulgent treats.

Rich, fudgy textures emerge from carefully selected ingredients that craft traditional baking expectations.

Sophisticated bakers understand these delightful morsels represent more than simple sweets—they symbolize culinary creativity and compassionate cooking.

Dark, intense chocolate notes dance through each crackled surface, promising deep satisfaction for anyone craving something genuinely spectacular.

The magic happens when careful technique meets quality ingredients, creating something simultaneously nostalgic and innovative.

Powdered sugar coating creates dramatic visual contrast against deep chocolate landscapes, teasing taste buds before the first delectable bite.

Prepare to elevate your baking game with a recipe that challenges conventional dessert boundaries.

What Sets Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Apart

  • Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Bliss: These vegan chocolate crinkle cookies deliver an intense, rich chocolate experience that melts in your mouth, satisfying even the most serious chocolate cravings without any dairy or eggs.
  • Achieve Bakery-Perfect Texture: The unique coating method creates a stunning visual contrast with crispy powdered sugar edges and a soft, fudgy interior, making these cookies look professionally crafted right from your home kitchen.
  • Master Effortless Vegan Baking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe proves that plant-based baking can be incredibly easy and delicious, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create impressive treats without complicated techniques.

Everything You’ll Need for Crinkly Chocolate Perfection

Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate base that gives deep flavor and dark color to the cookies.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Moistens the dough and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Plant-Based Milk: Adds moisture and helps combine ingredients smoothly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet background flavor to complement the chocolate.
Sugar and Coating:
  • White Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and creates signature crinkle texture and appearance.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the mixture and provides a soft, delicate cookie texture.

How to Bake Vegan Crinkle Cookies That Impress

Step 1: Set Up the Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients and kitchen tools.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

In a large bowl, sift cocoa powder. Add:
  • White sugar
  • Olive oil

Whisk ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare Milk Mixture

In a small bowl, combine:
  • Plant-based milk
  • Cornstarch

Whisk until smooth. Pour into chocolate mixture and stir thoroughly.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gradually add flour, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Prepare Sugar Coatings

Set up 2 small bowls:
  • White sugar
  • Powdered sugar

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop of dough for each cookie. Roll into smooth balls. Clean hands if chocolate gets sticky.

Step 7: Create Sugar Coating

Roll each dough ball first in white sugar, then heavily coat with powdered sugar. Ensure complete coverage.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Cookies should spread and develop signature crinkle cracks. Optional: Gently reshape edges with back of spoon immediately after removing from oven.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Let cookies sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack.

Step 10: Complete Baking Batch

Repeat steps 6-8 until all dough is used.

Step 11: Store Cookies

Place cooled cookies in airtight container. Layer with parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Smart Tips For Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create a more compact texture.
  • Sugar Coating Technique: Use a sifter or fine-mesh strainer to evenly distribute powdered sugar for a more professional-looking crackle effect.
  • Moisture Control: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; stir just until ingredients are combined.
  • Consistent Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking and consistent appearance.
  • Storage Hack: Place a slice of bread in the storage container to keep cookies soft and fresh for several days.

Keeping Vegan Cookies Fresh and Fudgy

  • Refrigerate: Seal vegan chocolate crinkle cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These delightful treats will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored at room temperature.
  • Freeze: Carefully wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies maintain their delicious texture for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey center. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to revive their just-baked warmth and crisp edges.

What Goes Great with Crinkle Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Delight: Serve these chocolatey cookies alongside a cold glass of almond milk or oat milk, which complements the rich cocoa flavor and provides a smooth, refreshing contrast.
  • Elevate with Coffee Companion: Enjoy these crinkle cookies with a warm cup of espresso or dark roast coffee, as the bitter notes of coffee beautifully enhance the sweetness of the chocolate.
  • Create Dessert Harmony: Accompany the cookies with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream to add a luxurious, creamy texture that balances the cookie's crisp exterior.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Add chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor profile.
  • Espresso Chocolate Kick: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate's depth and create a sophisticated coffee undertone.
  • Cinnamon Spice Infusion: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the chocolate's richness.
  • Berry Swirl Option: Fold in dried cranberries or chopped dark cherries to introduce a tangy fruit element that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate base.
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Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Vegan chocolate crinkle cookies deliver pure indulgence with their rich cocoa flavor and delicate powdered sugar coating. Crisp edges and fudgy centers create an irresistible treat that will satisfy chocolate lovers seeking a plant-based dessert delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (130g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (40g) Dutched cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (32g) cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Liquids:

  • 1 cup (200g) white granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (59 milliliters) olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons (89 milliliters) plant-based milk (almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sugar Coating:

  • ½ cup (100g) white granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange two parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring ample spacing between cookie placements.
  2. Sift cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
  3. Incorporate white sugar and olive oil into the cocoa, whisking until the mixture achieves a uniform, glossy consistency.
  4. In a separate small bowl, blend plant-based milk with cornstarch, eliminating any potential lumps through thorough whisking.
  5. Pour the milk-cornstarch mixture into the chocolate base, stirring until completely integrated.
  6. Introduce vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the developing dough, mixing thoroughly.
  7. Gradually fold in flour, ensuring even distribution and a cohesive texture without overmixing.
  8. Prepare two shallow bowls: one with granulated sugar and another with powdered sugar for coating.
  9. Using a tablespoon (15 milliliters), portion out uniform dough balls, aiming for consistent size.
  10. Gently roll each dough ball between palms to create smooth, round shapes, cleaning hands between batches.
  11. First roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, then generously coat with powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
  12. Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart.
  13. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for characteristic surface cracking and slight spreading.
  14. Optional: Immediately after removing from oven, use the back of a spoon to nudge any irregularly shaped edges into perfect circles.
  15. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 2 minutes, enabling initial setting and preventing breakage.
  16. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them completely cool and firm up.
  17. Repeat coating and baking process with remaining dough.
  18. Once entirely cooled, store cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.

Notes

  • Cracking the Perfect Coating: Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle cookie look, ensuring a heavy, even layer that creates beautiful white cracks when baked.
  • Texture Tip: The cornstarch and plant-based milk combination helps create a soft, chewy interior while maintaining the cookie’s delicate structure.
  • Handling Hot Dough: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after baking to set their shape and prevent breaking when transferred to a cooling rack.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop and making day-of baking a breeze.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep cookies fresh by storing in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, maintaining their delightful texture for several days.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Dream: These vegan cookies deliver rich chocolate flavor without dairy, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for everyone to enjoy.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 65 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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