How do I know when my crinkle cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are set and the tops have cracked. They should still look slightly soft in the center; they’ll continue firming as they cool.

Why didn’t my cookies crack properly?

This often happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. A warm dough spreads too quickly and won’t create cracks. Be sure to chill for at least two hours.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, melted butter can be substituted, but oil usually makes the cookies chewier and helps keep that soft baked chocolate cookie texture.

How can kids help with these cookies?

Children can roll the dough balls in powdered sugar, add candy eyes, or help drizzle on the chocolate spider legs. It’s a great recipe for kids holiday baking .

Spider Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Name: Spider Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: PT-496741H49M52S
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 32 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1 cup cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating); Optional: 1 teaspoon espresso powder; Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips; Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest; Melted chocolate (for spider legs); Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips (for eyes)

Description

Spider Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are festive holiday treats with fudgy, brownie-like centers, a snowy powdered sugar coating, and a playful spider design. They’re equal parts cozy and fun, making them a perfect addition to holiday baking projects, cookie exchanges, or edible gift ideas.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Optional: 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Optional: 1 teaspoon orange zest
Melted chocolate (for spider legs)
Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips (for eyes)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, beat together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and generously coat in powdered sugar.
Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are cracked.
Let cookies cool completely.
Pipe melted chocolate to form spider legs on each cookie.
Add candy eyes or chocolate chips for spider eyes.
Serve and enjoy your festive Spider Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!

Notes

For bold crinkles, double-coat the dough balls in powdered sugar. Chill the dough well to ensure crackly tops. These cookies freeze beautifully, either as dough balls or baked cookies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes + 2 hours chilling
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Holiday
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Holiday, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg