Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies: The Festive, Fudgy Holiday Showstopper (Crackly Tops, Cherry Swirls & Ready in 30 Minutes!)

There’s a reason crinkle cookies are a holiday staple—their dramatic crackled tops, fudgy centers, and dusting of powdered sugar make them look like edible snowballs fresh from a winter wonderland. But this year, we’re taking the classic to new heights with Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies: a decadent fusion of rich cocoa, melted chocolate, and swirls of tart cherry that deliver deep chocolate intensity with a bright, fruity finish.

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s fudgy like a brownie, studded with pockets of real cherry (or cherry jam), and coated in snowy powdered sugar that clings to every crackle. They’re deeply chocolatey without being cloying, beautifully balanced by the cherry’s natural acidity, and utterly irresistible with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot cocoa. Best of all? They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring just one bowl and 30 minutes of prep—no chilling needed!

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, packing holiday gift tins, or simply craving a taste of the season, these Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Let’s dive into the secrets of their crackly magic and how to make them perfectly every time.

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Why Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Bake

🍒 Bold Flavor Contrast

The tartness of cherries cuts through the richness of dark chocolate, creating a sophisticated balance that’s far more interesting than plain chocolate cookies.

❄️ Stunning Visual Appeal

The dramatic cracks, deep red swirls, and snowy sugar coating make them look professionally baked—perfect for gifting or festive tables.

🍫 Fudgy, Brownie-Like Texture

Thanks to melted chocolate and oil (not butter), these cookies stay incredibly moist and dense—never cakey or dry.

⏱️ Quick & Easy (No Chill!)

Unlike many crinkle cookies that require hours of chilling, this version uses oil and melted chocolate for immediate baking—ideal for spontaneous holiday baking.

🎁 Naturally Festive & Gift-Ready

Their red-and-white color scheme screams Christmas, and they ship beautifully in tins or boxes.

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The Secret to Perfect Crinkles: Crackly Tops & Fudgy Centers

The magic lies in three key techniques:

1. Melted Chocolate + Oil Base: Using melted chocolate and vegetable oil (instead of creamed butter) creates a batter-like dough that spreads slightly in the oven, then cracks as the surface dries faster than the center.
2. Double Roll in Sugar: First in granulated sugar (for structure), then in powdered sugar (for the iconic snowy look). The granulated sugar helps the powdered sugar adhere and enhances cracking.
3. Cherry Swirl (Not Mix-In): Folding in cherry preserves or chopped dried cherries after the batter is made ensures pockets of fruit without making the dough too wet.

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Foolproof Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies

Yield: 24–30 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

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 (good quality, with fruit pieces) OR ¾ cup chopped dried cherries

For Coating:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

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Equipment

• Medium microwave-safe bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Small cookie scoop (1.5 tbsp)
• Wire cooling rack

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine oil and chopped chocolate. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth. Cool 5 minutes.

2. Make the Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk melted chocolate mixture, ¾ cup granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
• Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain.
• Gently fold in cherry preserves or dried cherries until swirled throughout (don’t overmix).

3. Prep the Sugar Coatings

• Place ½ cup granulated sugar in one shallow bowl.
• Place 1 cup powdered sugar in another.

4. Shape & Coat

• Scoop dough into 1.5-tbsp balls (a cookie scoop works best).
• Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
• Then roll in powdered sugar until completely covered (it will look like a snowball!).

5. Bake

• Place coated balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Cookies will look puffed and cracked on top but still soft in the center—they firm up as they cool.
• Do not overbake! They should feel slightly underdone when you press the center.

6. Cool & Serve

• Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• The powdered sugar will settle into the cracks, creating that iconic crinkled look.

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Pro Tips for Perfection

• Use Good Chocolate: A 60–70% dark chocolate gives the best flavor and texture.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Helps the batter emulsify smoothly.
• Don’t Overmix After Adding Flour: Stir just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Cherry Preserves > Jam: Preserves have fruit pieces; jam is too smooth and runny.
• Double Roll is Key: Granulated sugar first creates a barrier that helps the powdered sugar stick and enhances cracking.
• Cool Completely Before Storing: Warm cookies will melt the powdered sugar.

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Delicious Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap AP flour for 1:1 GF baking flour.
• Vegan: Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water) and dairy-free chocolate.
• Cherry-Almond: Add ½ tsp almond extract with the vanilla.
• Dark Cherry Chunk: Use chopped dried tart cherries instead of preserves for chewy texture.
• White Chocolate Cherry: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate and use dried cherries.

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Storage & Gifting

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Thaw, then roll in sugar before serving.
• Gift Idea: Pack in a festive tin with a ribbon and a note: “Dust with powdered sugar before serving!”

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Why These Cookies Belong in Your Holiday Tradition

Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of contrast and comfort. They offer the deep, soul-warming richness of chocolate paired with the bright, nostalgic tang of cherries, all wrapped in a visually stunning package that embodies the joy of the season.

One bite—fudgy, crackly, sweet, and tart—and you’ll understand why these cookies are destined to become a holiday heirloom. So preheat your oven, grab your cherries and cocoa, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and spice.

Happy holidays—and even happier baking! 🍒🍫❄️

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