Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are already a holiday favorite, but when you add the sweet-tart flavor of raspberries? You elevate this classic to a whole new level. Chocolate Raspberry Crinkles are soft, chewy, deeply chocolatey, and filled with bursts of bright raspberry. Coated in powdered sugar and baked until beautifully crinkled, these cookies are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any time you crave a chocolate-berry combo.
This advanced guide walks you through everything—from ingredients and techniques to tips, variations,
🍫 What Are Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?
Traditional chocolate crinkle cookies are rich, brownie-like cookies rolled in powdered sugar before baking. As they bake, the surface cracks and crinkles, revealing deep fissures that contrast beautifully with the white sugar coating.
Chocolate Raspberry Crinkles take this one step further by incorporating real raspberries or raspberry extract for a fruity zing that cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
🧾 Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s examine each ingredient and its role in this cookie’s flavor, texture, and appearance.
🟤 Dry Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Provides structure and stability. |
| Cocoa Powder | Unsweetened, gives deep chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-process for richness. |
| Baking Powder | Helps cookies rise and creates soft, tender centers. |
| Salt | Enhances flavor and balances sweetness. |
🔴 Wet Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Granulated Sugar | Adds sweetness and contributes to chewy texture. |
| Brown Sugar | Adds moisture and a hint of molasses. |
| Eggs | Bind the ingredients and add richness. |
| Vegetable Oil or Butter | Keeps cookies soft and moist. |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances overall flavor. |
| Raspberry Extract or Purée | Adds the fruity raspberry element. Use pure extract or thick purée. |
| Melted Chocolate (optional) | For a fudgy, brownie-like texture. |
⚪ For Coating
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | Coats the dough and creates the crinkle appearance. |
| Granulated Sugar (optional) | Helps the powdered sugar stick better. |
🍽️ Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (1 tbsp)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ 1. Make the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Cream Sugars and Oil
In a large bowl, beat:- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring
Beat in:- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp raspberry extract or ¼ cup thick raspberry purée (strained)
- Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky. - Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up. This prevents spreading and helps achieve those signature cracks.
✅ 2. Shape and Roll
- Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Scoop Dough
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough. - Roll in Sugar
First roll each dough ball in granulated sugar (optional), then generously coat in powdered sugar.
✅ 3. Bake
- Space on Sheet
Place coated balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cookies should be puffed and cracked on top but still soft inside. - Cool
Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
✨ Pro Tips for the Perfect Crinkle
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Chill the dough | Prevents cookies from overspreading and keeps centers chewy. |
| Use granulated sugar before powdered sugar | Helps powdered sugar stick and stay white during baking. |
| Don’t overbake | The centers should stay soft and slightly gooey for best texture. |
| Use raspberry extract over purée if you want bold flavor | Extract provides more intense raspberry taste without altering dough consistency. |
| Add chocolate chunks or chips | Creates pockets of gooey richness and balances tartness. |
🍓 Variations and Twists
| Variation | How To Do It |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Jam-Filled Crinkles | Press an indent after baking and fill with raspberry jam. |
| Chocolate Raspberry Chunk | Add chopped dark chocolate or raspberry-flavored chips. |
| Raspberry White Chocolate | Mix in white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness. |
| Vegan Version | Use flax eggs and vegan butter or coconut oil. |
| Gluten-Free Crinkles | Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. |
| Red Velvet Raspberry Crinkles | Add red gel coloring and reduce cocoa slightly. |
🧊 Storage and Freezing
| Storage Type | How Long | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4–5 days | Store in airtight container. Add bread slice for softness. |
| Refrigerator | 1 week | Keeps cookies fresh longer—great for humid climates. |
| Freezer (Baked) | 3 months | Flash freeze on tray, then bag. Thaw at room temp. |
| Freezer (Dough) | 3 months | Scoop into balls and freeze. Roll in sugar right before baking. |
📊 Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Values vary based on portion size and added mix-ins.
Table of Contents
❓FAQs – Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of extract?
Yes, but you need to strain them and reduce the purée to remove excess water. Too much liquid will make the dough loose.
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Your dough may have been too warm, or you didn’t use enough powdered sugar. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly and roll heavily in sugar.
Can I make these without cocoa?
No, cocoa is essential for the crinkle cookie flavor and texture. You can try a white chocolate raspberry crinkle as an alternative.
Can I skip the raspberry flavor?
Yes, you can make these as classic chocolate crinkles—just omit the extract and use only vanilla.
Do they stay soft after baking?
Yes! These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy in the center with a slight crisp on the outside. Avoid overbaking to maintain this texture.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from disappearing after baking?
Use double coating: roll first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar. The granulated sugar acts as a moisture barrier.
🎁 Perfect For Gifting
These cookies are:
- Visually stunning with their snowy crackled tops
- Unique with the chocolate-raspberry combo
- Sturdy enough to ship when packed carefully
- Ideal for holiday platters, Valentine’s Day, or cookie exchanges
Tip: Include them in a decorative tin with parchment layers and a flavor label for a gorgeous homemade gift.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies are a beautiful, flavorful twist on the beloved classic. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering, package up something extra special for a gift, or indulge in a rich, fruity chocolate treat yourself—these cookies deliver on all fronts.
Soft, chewy, and full of flavor, they’ll melt hearts as quickly as they melt in your mouth.