Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a classic holiday favorite that never fails to delight. With their rich, chocolatey flavor and signature crackled sugar coating, these cookies make the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter. They’re soft and chewy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior, making them a festive treat that everyone will love. Ready to bake a batch of these irresistible cookies? Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a beloved holiday treat with a delicious chocolate flavor and a unique crackled sugar coating.
- These cookies are soft, chewy, and slightly crispy on the outside, making them a perfect balance of textures.
- The recipe is simple and quick, requiring only a few basic ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and flour.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are visually stunning and make an excellent gift or addition to any holiday dessert table.
- They can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week, making them a convenient and delicious treat for holiday gatherings.
The Origin of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are said to have originated in the United States during the 1950s. Their signature crackled appearance is what gives them their name, and they have since become a holiday staple, especially at Christmas. The cookies symbolize the magic and joy of the holiday season, with their rich chocolate flavor representing the warmth and indulgence of festive treats.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
To bake a batch of Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a quick list of the essential ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/2 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (softened) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar (for rolling) | 1/2 cup |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, having the right tools will help you achieve the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | For combining ingredients |
| Electric mixer or whisk | For beating the butter and sugar |
| Baking sheets | For baking the cookies |
| Parchment paper or silicone mat | Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier |
| Cookie scoop or tablespoon | For evenly shaping the dough |
| Cooling rack | For cooling the cookies |
Preparation Steps for Baking Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Here’s how to prepare and bake these delicious cookies step by step:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky. - Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. - Shape the Dough
After chilling, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat it completely. - Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies have cracked and the centers are set. - Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour | Yield: 24-30 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have cracked on top.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Plating and Presentation Tips
- Display in Style: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or tiered stand for an elegant presentation at your holiday gathering.
- Add Festive Touches: Garnish with small sprigs of holly or a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar for a wintery look.
- Gift-Worthy: These cookies make great gifts. Package them in clear bags tied with festive ribbons for a personalized holiday treat.
Pairing Suggestions and Side Dishes
- Hot Cocoa: Pair your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a warm cup of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies beautifully.
- Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a cozy, comforting treat.
Conclusion
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday spread. With their irresistible chocolate flavor and crackled sugar coating, they’ll bring festive cheer to your dessert table. Simple to make yet visually stunning, these cookies will be loved by everyone who tries them.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking. Just place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
How should I store the cookies?
Store your Chocolate Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that will make your holiday season extra sweet. With their rich, chocolate flavor and iconic crinkled, powdered-sugar-coated exterior, they are a favorite for Christmas cookie trays and gift-giving. Soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp texture on the outside, these cookies will be the highlight of any holiday gathering. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are a must-have during the holidays.
- Total Time: 42 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you prefer). This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll.
Form the Cookies:
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Serve these delightful cookies with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or your favorite warm beverage!
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: You can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Roll and bake the cookies when you’re ready to enjoy them.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Tip: You can freeze the dough balls after rolling them in powdered sugar. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies will bring festive joy to your holiday table and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 12
How to get crinkle top on cookies , many Thankx
Super recipe , loved how you made those crinkle cookies