Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Name: Valentine Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Author: Emily

Published: 30 April 2025

Updated: 1 January 2026

why make this recipe

I love a cookie you can make with one hand and a cup of tea in the other. These Valentine Crinkle Cookies are chocolatey, soft, and pretty with their powdered sugar cracks. They bake up fast. They are perfect for giving away or keeping at home for a cozy night in. If you want a chocolate cookie with a crowd-pleasing texture, pair them with my best chocolate chip cookies on a simple cookie tray for friends.

how to make Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, Powdered sugar for dusting

Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and lovely.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Roll the dough into small balls, then roll them in powdered sugar until they’re coated in sweetness.
Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a bit of space!
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until they’re set and start to crinkle.
Let them cool on a wire rack before diving in!

I like to chill the dough briefly if my kitchen is warm. Chilled dough holds its shape and crinkles beautifully. For a similar crackly top and delicate crumb, I sometimes borrow a trick from my lemon poppy seed sourdough discard cookies recipe and give the dough a short rest.

how to serve Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Serve them slightly warm. The centers stay tender and the edges get a little chew. Plate them on a small tray for guests. They pair well with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. For a festive touch, tuck a few into parchment gift bags for neighbors.

how to store Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Let the cookies cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for about 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

tips to make Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming.
Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Roll the balls generously in powdered sugar so the contrast looks pretty after baking.
Give them space on the sheet. They spread a little.
If your dough feels too sticky, chill it 20–30 minutes before rolling.
For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the bake time.

variation (if any)

Add a pinch of instant espresso to the dry ingredients for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Drop a small heart-shaped chocolate on each cookie right after they come out of the oven.
Swap half the cocoa for 1 tablespoon orange zest for a brighter flavor, inspired by my cranberry orange cookies idea.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Bring it to a slightly cooler-than-room temperature before rolling.

Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Your dough was likely too warm. Chill it 20–30 minutes before rolling. Also check that your baking powder is fresh.

Q: Can I use cocoa powder substitutes?
A: You can use natural or Dutch-processed cocoa. The flavor will change slightly. Adjust sugar to taste if you use a more bitter cocoa.

Valentine Crinkle Cookies

More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest