Name: Vegan Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup soy or coconut yogurt; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon orange extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 34 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that’s both rich in flavor and completely plant-based, then this Vegan Crinkle Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. These cookies have that perfect fudgy center with a beautifully cracked, powdered sugar-dusted exterior that practically melts in your mouth. Thanks to a clever blend of cocoa, yogurt, and orange extract, they deliver layers of depth in every bite—making them a show-stopping addition to any cookie platter or a simple sweet fix to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a small, dark brown, smooth ball of dough or mixture, shaped roughly round with a slight shine. In the background, there is a white pot filled with more of the same dark brown mixture, blurred to keep focus on the ball in the woman's hand. The scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting these Vegan Crinkle Cookies just right comes down to a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential part in delivering the cookie’s signature soft crumb, delightful cocoa richness, and that irresistible crackled top.

2 cups flour: Provides structure and a tender base for the cookies to hold together perfectly.
1½ cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the dough bind smoothly with the wet ingredients.
¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder: Brings intense chocolate flavor and a slightly darker, richer color to the cookies.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates that delicate fluffiness you want in every bite.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic yogurt to create perfect crackles on the surface.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall chocolate depth.
1 cup soy or coconut yogurt: Adds moistness, tanginess, and keeps the cookies vegan-friendly without eggs.
½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures the cookies are soft and tender rather than dry or crumbly.
1 teaspoon orange extract: Offers a subtle citrus lift that makes these cookies refreshingly unique.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the cocoa with warm and sweet undertones.
½ cup granulated sugar: Used for rolling the dough balls, creating an initial sweet crust.
½ cup powdered sugar: The final coating that forms those signature crinkle patterns after baking.

How to Make Vegan Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even mixing and a smooth batter without lumps, which helps your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely texture.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy or coconut yogurt, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange extract, and 1½ cups sugar. Whisk everything together until the mixture is completely smooth—this step is key to blending the flavors seamlessly and setting the stage for soft, moist cookies that are bursting with taste.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet bowl and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps won’t hurt and will help keep your cookies tender. Now, roll the cookie dough into golf ball-sized balls—this size creates the perfect balance of chewy centers and crispy edges.

Step 4: Sugar Coating

Put granulated sugar in one bowl and powdered sugar in another. Roll each dough ball first in granulated sugar, which adds a subtle crunch, then roll it in powdered sugar, laying the foundation for those classic crinkle cracks that make these cookies so visually irresistible.

Step 5: Baking

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your lined baking sheet, spacing them well apart as they will spread slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes. Once done, let your cookies cool for a bit on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies set perfectly with that iconic crinkle surface.

How to Serve Vegan Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A rustic baking tray lined with beige parchment paper holds fourteen round chocolate cookies scattered across its surface. Each cookie is dark brown with light cracks on the top, generously coated with white powdered sugar that highlights the fractured texture, giving them a snowy look. The tray itself shows signs of use, with worn and darkened edges, adding a vintage charm to the image. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are delightful on their own, a small dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch. For a hint of festive flair, try sprinkling some finely grated orange zest on top for visual appeal and an amplified citrus aroma that complements the orange extract inside.

Side Dishes

These Vegan Crinkle Cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold almond or oat milk, making each bite even more comforting. They also shine alongside a cup of rich coffee or a smooth herbal tea, perfect for sharing cozy moments or elevating your afternoon snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, arrange these cookies in a pretty tin layered with parchment paper or stack them in a jar with festive ribbons. You can also sandwich two cookies with a vegan chocolate ganache or frosting for an indulgent twist that’s sure to wow guests and loved ones alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep any leftover Vegan Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them ideal for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends without any extra effort.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or keep them fresh longer, freezing is simple. Place the fully cooled cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a quick homemade treat.

Reheating

To bring a bit of that freshly baked warmth back to your Vegan Crinkle Cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This will soften the cookies slightly and release the lovely chocolate and orange aromas.

FAQs

Can I substitute the yogurt with another vegan option?

Absolutely! You can use any plant-based yogurt such as almond, cashew, or oat yogurt. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened to maintain the right balance of moisture and flavor in your cookies.

What if I don’t have orange extract—can I leave it out?

Yes, you can omit the orange extract if you don’t have it on hand. The cookies will still be deliciously chocolaty and moist, though the subtle citrus note does add a unique brightness that’s well worth trying when you have it!

Can I use regular cocoa instead of Dutch-process cocoa?

While Dutch-process cocoa adds a mellower, less acidic flavor, you can substitute regular cocoa powder if necessary. Just be aware it might slightly change the texture and depth of flavor, but your cookies will still turn out tasty.

Is it okay to use a different type of oil?

Vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, but you can swap it with light olive oil, sunflower oil, or melted coconut oil. Just avoid extra-virgin olive oil as its strong taste might alter the cookie’s delicate balance.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make the Vegan Crinkle Cookies gluten-free, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind texture might differ slightly but should still taste wonderful.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Vegan Crinkle Cookies Recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for both everyday indulgence and special occasions. The combination of rich cocoa, fresh orange essence, and a soft-yet-crackly bite is simply unbeatable. So go ahead—bake a batch, share with friends, and enjoy a truly scrumptious plant-based dessert that feels as good as it tastes!