Get ready to transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland with these irresistible Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies! Imagine biting into a soft, decadent chocolate cookie that's dusted with a magical layer of powdered sugar, creating a stunning crackled effect that looks just like a winter landscape. These cookies aren't just a dessert - they're a Christmas experience that will have your family and friends begging for more. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering results that will become a cherished holiday tradition.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add 2 large eggs to the sugar and oil mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will help to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and remove any lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up slightly.
- While the dough is resting, place 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. This will be used for rolling the cookies.
- Once the dough has rested, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. This will create the signature crinkle effect when baked.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set, and the tops should have cracks, but the centers may still look slightly soft.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can dust with additional powdered sugar if desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!
Tips
- Chill the dough: For even better texture, refrigerate the dough for 1-2 hours before rolling and baking.
- Use fresh cocoa powder: Make sure your cocoa powder is fresh for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Don't overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven - they'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
- Roll generously in powdered sugar: The more sugar, the more dramatic the crinkle effect!
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes: This ensures even baking and a professional look.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft, fudgy texture.
- For extra festivity, add a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles or roll some cookies in colored powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg
