Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Dairy-Free & Vegan-Friendly)

There’s something magical about the first bite of a soft, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookie — the rich cocoa flavor, the chewy inside, and that perfect dusting of powdered sugar that makes them look like little snow-covered mountains.

These gluten-free chocolate crinkle cookies are a holiday (or anytime!) favorite in our house. They’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand — and yes, they’re completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Even better? They taste just as rich and decadent as the classic version.

If you’ve been looking for a cookie that’s crispy on the outside, fudgy on the inside, and approved by both kids and adults, this one’s for you.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup Becel vegan margarine (softened)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup Earth’s Own almond milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1¼ cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour

• ½ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder

• ¾ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Rolling

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• ½ cup Rogers Lantic powdered sugar

Directions

1. Cream together vegan margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add almond milk and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms, then fold in chocolate chips.

5. Chill the dough in the fridge for 30–60 minutes (this helps them bake evenly and keep shape).

6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Roll dough into small balls, coat first in brown sugar, then in powdered sugar for that signature crinkle look.

8. Bake 10–12 minutes, until tops are crackled and edges are just set.

9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling.

Tips for Perfect Crinkle Cookies

• Chill the dough longer for a thicker, fudgier center.

• Use a cookie scoop for even baking.

• For an extra festive touch, dust with a little extra powdered sugar before serving!

Why You’ll Love These

These cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and school-safe — but you’d never know it. They have that nostalgic, brownie-meets-cookie flavor that’s perfect for holiday trays, classroom parties, or cozy winter nights at home.

Even if you’re not gluten-free, these are a must-try. Trust me — they disappear fast!

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