Chocolate Crinkles Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 8, 2025

If you’re looking for a delicious, fudgy treat that’s completely plant-based, these vegan chocolate crinkles are exactly what you need. Chocolate crinkles are beloved for their rich, almost brownie-like interior and their beautiful cracked powdered sugar exterior.

This vegan version captures all the classic flavors and textures without any animal products, making it perfect for anyone following a vegan diet or simply wanting a healthier, dairy-free dessert option.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these chocolate crinkles are sure to impress. They are simple to make, require common pantry ingredients, and come together quickly.

Plus, they freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever the chocolate craving hits. Get ready to indulge guilt-free in a cookie that’s chewy, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chocolate crinkles recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, the texture strikes the perfect balance between soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge.

The cocoa and powdered sugar combination creates that signature crackly look and a deep chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth.

Another reason to love this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can add nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or even a dash of espresso powder to enhance the flavor.

Plus, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results.

Finally, these cookies are vegan and free from eggs and dairy, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowl for powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond milk until the dough comes together. It should be thick but slightly sticky.
  4. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
  5. Prepare for rolling: Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough into 1-inch balls.
  6. Roll in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar until fully coated. The sugar will create the beautiful crinkle effect when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies have spread and the tops have cracked.
  8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This helps them set perfectly.
  9. Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

For an extra chocolate kick, add 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips to the dough before chilling.

If you want your crinkles a little less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar to 3/4 cup and increase the powdered sugar for rolling to 1 1/4 cups.

Try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the depth of the chocolate flavor.

You can also experiment with different plant-based milks like oat or soy depending on your preference or what you have on hand. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per cookie (makes ~24)
Calories 95 kcal
Fat 4.5 g
Saturated Fat 1.5 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Sugar 8 g
Protein 1 g

Serving Suggestions

These vegan chocolate crinkles are fantastic served warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

For holiday gatherings, arrange them on a festive platter with other vegan treats for a beautiful presentation.

If you want to get creative, try dipping half of each cookie in melted vegan chocolate and sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top. For a cozy snack, crumble them over dairy-free yogurt or oatmeal.

Conclusion

This vegan chocolate crinkles recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey cookies that are easy to make and delightfully satisfying. The use of applesauce as an egg substitute keeps the cookies moist and chewy, while the powdered sugar coating gives them their iconic cracked appearance.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe provides a foolproof way to bake a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone can enjoy.

Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite mix-ins or try pairing it with other delicious dishes like the savory Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, or experiment with unique flavors found in the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

For a refreshing dessert twist, consider the smooth delight of the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe. Happy baking and enjoy every fudgy, crackly bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Crinkles Recipe Vegan

Description: Delicious fudgy vegan chocolate crinkles with a crackled powdered sugar exterior. Perfectly chewy and rich, these cookies are easy to make and dairy-free.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and plant milk.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
  5. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in powdered sugar.
  7. Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cracked on top.
  9. Cool on wire rack before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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