If you adore the rich, fudgy decadence of chocolate cookies paired with a lively burst of fruity sweetness, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are the perfect chewy, soft-baked delights that balance deep cocoa flavor with the bright tang of real raspberries, all wrapped up in a melt-in-your-mouth raspberry-confectioners’ sugar coating. Trust me, once you try these, they will become your go-to cookie for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a clear glass bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate batter mixed with small red bits, showing a rich and smooth texture with slight unevenness. Inside the bowl, on the right side, a blue silicone spatula rests partially submerged in the batter, with some batter clinging to its surface. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Let’s talk about how wonderfully simple yet transformative these ingredients are for your cookies. Each one plays a special role, from creating tender, chewy dough to adding bursts of raspberry flavor that make these cookies unforgettable.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened butter provides the rich, smooth base and makes the cookies irresistibly tender.
Vegetable, avocado, or olive oil (1 Tbsp): Adds moisture and helps keep the cookies soft over time.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and balances the deep cocoa notes while contributing to the slight crispiness on the edges.
Light or dark brown sugar (1/2 cup): Packs in moistness and a subtle caramel aroma that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough.
Pure vanilla extract or raspberry liqueur (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor – vanilla adds warmth, but a splash of raspberry liqueur takes the fruitiness to another level.
All-purpose flour (1.5 cups): The foundation for your cookie’s soft, chewy texture when spooned and leveled correctly.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (2/3 cup): Gives these cookies their rich, fudgy chocolate flavor.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and develop their characteristic crinkle appearance.
Salt (1/8 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
Raspberry preserves (1/3 cup): The secret star that adds juicy bursts of raspberry flavor within the dough.
Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup): Forms the sweet crust in the topping for that signature crinkle effect.
Freeze-dried raspberries (1/2 cup): Ground into powder, they add vibrant color and raspberry zing to the sugar coating.

How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating together the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, making your cookies tender yet fluffy. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy – this little wait pays off with texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Adding the Egg and Flavor

Next, add the egg and your choice of vanilla extract or raspberry liqueur. Beat on high speed until everything is fully combined. The egg brings structure while the flavoring adds that warm or fruity depth that sets this recipe apart. Make sure to scrape down the bowl’s sides to mix everything evenly.

Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients and Adding Raspberry Preserves

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures all dry components are well mixed so every bite tastes consistently good. Pour this dry mix into your wet ingredients, then add in the raspberry preserves. Beat on low until just combined—the dough will be thick and sticky, promising fudgy deliciousness in every cookie.

Step 4: Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This chilling time is mandatory because it transforms the dough’s texture, making it easier to scoop and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can even chill it up to 3 days if you want to prepare ahead.

Step 5: Preparing the Raspberry Sugar Topping

While the dough chills, make your signature topping by grinding the freeze-dried raspberries into a fine powder in a food processor or blender. Sift out the seeds for a smooth coating, then combine the raspberry powder with confectioners’ sugar. This gorgeous pink-tinged sugar is what creates the magical crinkle cookie look and adds a tangy twist with every bite.

Step 6: Shaping and Baking

When the dough is ready, let it sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to soften slightly for easier rolling. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough into balls, generously roll each ball in your raspberry sugar topping, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers still soft, as they’ll firm up while cooling.

Step 7: Cooling and Finishing Touches

Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you have leftover raspberry sugar, dust a little more on top of the warm cookies for an extra pop of color and flavor. That’s it! You’ve created irresistible Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies that taste as stunning as they look.

How to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe

The image shows four chocolate crinkle cookies on a white octagonal plate. Each cookie has a rough dark brown surface with deep cracks revealing the soft inside. The cracks are covered with white powdered sugar that fills the crevices and contrasts with the rich chocolate color. Some powder spreads on the plate around the cookies. One cookie is broken, showing the soft center filled with deep red streaks inside. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a charming presentation, sprinkle a pinch of extra freeze-dried raspberry powder or place a fresh raspberry on top of each cookie before serving. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies if you’re feeling fancy, adding a sweet visual contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. If serving at a party or brunch, offer fresh berries or a light fruit salad to brighten the chocolate richness. A warm cup of coffee, fresh fruit tea, or raspberry-infused lemonade will also enhance your tasting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for an inviting gift or cookie swap idea. Another fun way is to sandwich raspberry jam and cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist! You could also arrange them on a decorative plate alternating with chocolate-covered strawberries for a beautiful dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to 1 week, making them perfect for baking in advance or enjoying over several days. Avoid stacking too many without parchment between layers to keep the topping intact.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies at room temperature before serving, allowing their fudgy texture and raspberry notes to shine once more.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This revives their soft, fresh-baked texture and makes the chocolate and raspberry flavors even more pronounced — perfect for an indulgent treat anytime.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh raspberries for raspberry preserves?

Fresh raspberries are delicious but too watery to give the same texture and flavor intensity the preserves provide. The preserves ensure the right balance of sweetness and the chewy texture inside each cookie. However, you can finely mash fresh raspberries and reduce their moisture by gently heating to make a similar effect if needed.

What makes these cookies “crinkle”?

The crinkle effect comes from rolling the dough balls generously in the confectioners’ sugar mixed with raspberry powder before baking. As the cookies bake and spread, the sugar coating cracks, creating that signature crackled pattern that’s both beautiful and tasty.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! To adapt the Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe, swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute, use a flax egg or other egg replacer, and double-check that your raspberry preserves and cocoa powder don’t contain animal products. The texture and flavor might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Why is chilling the dough so important?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fats and allows the flour to fully hydrate, giving the cookies structure and preventing them from spreading too thin. For this sticky dough, chilling is crucial to make it manageable for shaping and to develop the fudge-like chewy texture you want in every bite.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips would add an extra layer of melty richness, while chopped nuts bring crunch and complement the raspberry flavor. Just fold them in gently after combining the dough to keep the texture just right.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of Chocolate Raspberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe—each bite brings a perfect harmony of rich chocolate and bright raspberry in a soft, chewy cookie with a delightful crackled sugar crust. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a treasured classic. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!