The Secret Ingredient That Makes These Cookies Extraordinary
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a beloved holiday tradition—those beautiful, crackled powdered sugar cookies with rich chocolate flavor. But what if we told you there's a way to make them even better? Enter premium olive oil.
Using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter creates cookies that are incredibly moist, have a tender crumb, and stay fresh longer. Plus, the subtle fruity notes of quality olive oil complement dark chocolate beautifully, adding depth and complexity you won't find in traditional recipes.
Why Olive Oil Works Perfectly in Chocolate Cookies
Olive oil brings several advantages to baking:
- Moisture retention - Cookies stay soft and chewy for days
- Rich texture - Creates a tender, almost fudgy interior
- Flavor complexity - Adds subtle fruity, peppery notes that enhance chocolate
- Healthier fats - Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats instead of saturated butter fat
- Dairy-free - Perfect for those with lactose sensitivities
Olive Oil Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (80ml) premium extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), melted and slightly cooled
For Rolling:
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using). Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and olive oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and melted chocolate until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until no flour streaks remain. The dough will be quite soft and sticky—this is normal!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This step is crucial—it allows the dough to firm up for easier handling and helps create those beautiful cracks.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place granulated sugar in one small bowl and powdered sugar in another.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. First, roll the ball in granulated sugar to coat completely. Then roll generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick coating. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 11-13 minutes. The cookies will puff up and crack beautifully. The centers should look slightly underbaked—they'll continue to set as they cool. Don't overbake or they'll lose their fudgy texture!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The contrast between the dark chocolate interior and snowy powdered sugar exterior is stunning!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
Choose the Right Olive Oil
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a mild, fruity flavor. Our single-origin Greek olive oil works beautifully—it's smooth enough not to overpower the chocolate while adding subtle complexity.
Don't Skip the Chill Time
Cold dough is essential for those signature cracks. If you're short on time, you can freeze the dough for 30-45 minutes instead of refrigerating for 2 hours.
Be Generous with Powdered Sugar
Really coat those cookies! The thick powdered sugar coating creates the dramatic contrast when the cookies crack during baking.
Watch the Bake Time
Slightly underbaked is better than overbaked. The cookies should look set around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
Variations to Try
Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles
Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a festive twist.
Orange Chocolate Crinkles
Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the dough for a sophisticated flavor combination that pairs beautifully with olive oil.
Sea Salt Chocolate Crinkles
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie right after they come out of the oven.
Double Chocolate Crinkles
Fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Thanks to the olive oil, they'll stay incredibly moist and tender. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, or freeze the dough balls (already coated in sugar) for up to 2 months—bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
The Mediterranean Meets the Holidays
These olive oil chocolate crinkle cookies are proof that Mediterranean ingredients can elevate even the most classic American recipes. The olive oil adds moisture, richness, and a subtle sophistication that makes these cookies truly special.
Whether you're baking for a holiday cookie exchange, a cozy winter evening, or simply because you're craving something chocolatey and delicious, these cookies deliver. And knowing they're made with heart-healthy olive oil? That's just the cherry on top (or should we say, the olive on top!).
Pair with Premium Olive Oil
The quality of your olive oil matters in baking. Our early-harvest Greek olive oil brings a smooth, fruity character that complements chocolate without competing with it. It's the secret ingredient that transforms good cookies into extraordinary ones.
Ready to bake? Grab a bottle of our premium olive oil and experience the difference quality ingredients make in your holiday baking.
