Best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe (How To Freeze)

This is the best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe. With or without mint M&M’s, these chocolate cookies with a fudge brownie texture and a pillowy center, are coated with powdered sugar and are one of my faves. 

I start my baking early and store my cookies in the freezer. Not sure how to freeze the best chocolate crinkle cookies recipe? Just keep reading!

Let’s get this holiday season started with one of my favorite cookies; chocolate crinkles.

I love mint M&M’s and this is a great way to embellish a chocolate crinkle cookie.

However you don’t have to add the M&M’s, I just thought it made them look so festive.

Any type of M&M can be added, OR you don’t have to add any at all.

They are still delish-with or without!

This easy recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the perfect balance of sweetness, resulting in fudgy brownies in cookie form.

This great holiday staple is always welcome at holiday cookie exchanges. 

These fudgy cookies with cracks throughout, topped with a thick layer of powdered sugar, always disappear fast from the cookie tray.

However, if you find yourself with an abundance of these fudgy cookies and are wondering whether you can freeze them after baking, you’ve come to the right spot.

The Best Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe (IMO)

Before we delve into the freezing process, let’s quickly recap the steps for baking these delectable chocolate crinkle cookies. 

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Brown Sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar for coating
• M&M’s

Just a Few Simple Steps to make the best chocolate crinkle cookies recipe:

1. Melt the chocolate chips and let cool.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter, until well combined.
4. Add in the melted chocolate chips and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. 
6. Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for three hours or until firm.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat pad.
8. Scoop the chilled dough using a cookie scoop and roll it into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball first in granulated sugar and then in a heavy coating of powdered sugar.
9. Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, flattening them lightly with the palm of your hand and leave enough space between each for spreading.
10. Bake for 8 minutes and then top with 3 mint M&M’s and place back in oven and bake for 4 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies will have a crinkled appearance.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now that you’ve mastered the chocolate crinkle cookie recipe what is the best way to freeze them?

Can you freeze chocolate crinkle cookies after baking?

Chocolate crinkle cookies can be frozen, however the powdered sugar coating may not look as pretty after thawing. 

To help them look better, roll first in granulated sugar then in powdered sugar. before baking.

The granulated white sugar allows the powdered sugar to stick better.

Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

For fresh-baked cookies, the cookie dough can be rolled into cookie dough balls after the initial 3 hour chilling stage and then frozen.

Let thaw for about 20 minutes before rolling in the granulated and podwered sugar and then bake as specified.

Freezing Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Step by Step

1. Cool the Baked Cookies:Allow the baked chocolate crinkle cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent condensation, which can lead to freezer burn.
2. Prepare for Freezing:Once the cookies have cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Ensure that the cookies are not touching each other, as this prevents them from sticking together during freezing.
3. Flash Freeze:Place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the cookies to undergo a “flash freeze” for about two hours. Flash freezing ensures that the cookies retain their individual shapes and do not become a frozen clump.
4. Airtight Packaging:After the flash freeze, transfer the cookies into an airtight container or a freezer bag. It’s crucial to use an airtight container to prevent freezer odors from affecting the flavor of the cookies. I always place my cookies in a giant ziplock bag and then place them flat in the freezer.
5. Layering with Parchment:For additional protection, consider placing sheets of parchment paper between layers of cookies in the container. This prevents the cookies from sticking together and makes it easier to remove individual cookies when needed.
6. Label the Container:Don’t forget to label the container with the date of freezing and the type of cookies. This ensures you can keep track of freshness and easily identify the contents.
7. Freeze for up to Three Months:Chocolate crinkle cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without a significant loss of quality. Beyond this timeframe, the cookies may still be safe to eat but might experience a decline in texture and flavor.

Thawing and Serving the Best Fudgy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

When the craving for chocolate crinkle cookies strikes, follow these simple steps to thaw and enjoy your frozen treats:

1. Remove from Freezer:Take the airtight container or freezer bag containing the cookies out of the freezer. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
2. Room Temperature Finish:For the best results, let the cookies come to room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving. This ensures they maintain their fudgy, brownie-like texture.
3. Optional: Warm in the Oven:If you prefer warm cookies, you can gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This step brings back the freshly baked taste and aroma but may melt the powdered sugar coating.
4. Dust with Powdered Sugar:Before serving, you can add a touch of elegance by dusting the cookies with a little extra confectioners’ sugar. This step enhances their appearance and sweetness.

Freezing chocolate crinkle cookies after baking is a fantastic way to extend the joy of the holiday season. 

Whether you’re planning ahead for a cookie exchange, stocking up on treats for unexpected guests, or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this easy process ensures that your chocolate crinkle cookies remain as delicious as the day they were baked.

Remember, the key to successful freezing is proper preparation, including flash freezing, airtight packaging, and labeling. 

By following these steps, you’ll have a stash of chocolate crinkle cookies ready to elevate any occasion, making them a delightful addition to your holiday cookie tray or a sweet surprise any time of the year. 

So, bake a batch, freeze with care, and savor the rich chocolate flavor whenever the mood strikes!

I wrote about these many moons ago and called these classic Christmas cookies chocolate crackle cookies.

After researching, it appears those cookies often contain Rice Krispies so I have updated this post from 2013.

None the less, it is still one of my favorite cookie recipes.

If you love chocolate cookies, you will love this recipe.

More Holiday Cookies:

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Chocolate Fudge Cookies

Double Chocolate Cookies

 

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