1. Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cocoa powder adds depth to the flavor of the cookies and helps them achieve that signature dark color.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or beat by hand until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Be sure the butter is at room temperature for the best results—this will allow the butter to incorporate properly into the sugar and create a smooth, fluffy mixture.

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is well combined. The eggs will help bind the dough, while the vanilla adds a comforting aroma and flavor.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Do this in batches, adding about half of the dry ingredients at a time. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies. Once the dough comes together and no dry flour remains, it’s ready to chill.

2. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This is an important step to ensure that your cookies hold their crinkled shape.

3. Roll the Dough

After the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Prepare two shallow bowls: one with powdered sugar and the other with granulated sugar. Take the chilled dough and roll it into 1-inch balls, either by hand or using a cookie scoop. Roll each dough ball first in the granulated sugar, then in the powdered sugar. The powdered sugar is key to creating the signature crinkled effect as the cookies bake.

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly during baking, so leave enough space for them to expand.

4. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look puffed up with cracks forming on the surface. Keep an eye on the cookies and don’t overbake them. They will continue to firm up as they cool. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft, ensuring that the cookies stay chewy inside.

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Crinkle Cookies have cooled, they are ready to be served! These cookies are perfect for holiday treats, whether enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate, shared with friends and family, or packed up as a festive gift.