These best Christmas chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their rich chocolate flavor, fudgy texture, and beautiful powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. The crinkly appearance makes them not only delicious but visually appealing, too! Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or a thoughtful gift for neighbors, these cookies will bring joy to any occasion.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 4 hours (plus cooling time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours and 12 minutes
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Best Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These chocolate crinkle cookies are not just any ordinary cookie; they hold a special place in holiday traditions. The combination of rich cocoa and sugars results in a soft, chewy interior that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with chocolatey goodness, and the snowy white powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch, reminiscent of a winter wonderland! Plus, the dough can be made in advance and just takes a few minutes to bake, making it an easy choice for busy holiday schedules.
How to Make Best Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and helps achieve that perfect crinkle texture.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended and smooth. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Chilling Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step is crucial; it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to scoop and ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 5: Shaping Cookies
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. This should be done quickly while the dough is cold to prevent it from sticking to your hands.
Step 6: Coating Cookies
Roll each ball in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. This will create a beautiful snowy finish on your cookies after baking.
Step 7: Baking
Place the powdered sugar-coated balls on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are puffed and cracked on top.
Step 8: Cooling
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Best Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. You can serve them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or pack them in jars as delightful gifts.
How to Store Best Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough balls and freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just roll in powdered sugar and bake straight from the freezer!
Expert Tips for Perfect Best Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t skip the chilling time! It makes a big difference in texture and shape.
- Experiment with different types of cocoa powder for varying flavors, such as Dutch-processed or dark cocoa.
- For a minty twist, you can add peppermint extract or crushed candy canes to the dough.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Surprise: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch.
- Chocolate Chip Crinkles: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Spiced Crinkles: Add a pinch of cinnamon or instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. -
How do I prevent the cookies from flattening?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing the dough. -
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze it for longer storage. -
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Most likely, the butter or oil was too warm. Make sure your dough is chilled before scooping out the balls. -
What can I do with leftover powdered sugar?
Leftover powdered sugar can be stored in an airtight container for future use in other baking projects!
Conclusion
These best Christmas chocolate crinkle cookies are sure to win hearts with their rich flavor and beautiful appearance. They make for a perfect holiday treat, whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and get ready to bake your way into the festive spirit with these delightful treats! Enjoy the magic of the season with every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Print
Best Christmas Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 252 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful chocolate crinkle cookies perfect for the holiday season with a rich flavor and visually appealing appearance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in powdered sugar until coated.
- Place on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until puffed and cracked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Freeze unbaked dough for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 240 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
