There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season—the warm glow of twinkling lights, the comforting scent of freshly baked cookies, and the fond memories made with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that encapsulates all that festive cheer in each bite: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. These cookies not only look enchanting with their rustic, crackled tops dusted in powdered sugar, but they also boast a rich, chocolatey flavor that is irresistibly decadent. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies are a delightful treat to bake with family, bringing everyone together in the heart of the home—the kitchen. Let’s create some sweet holiday memories with this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe, an exclusive from Zynahz!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Servings: 24 cookies
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined, forming a shiny, black dough.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the cocoa mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up and ensures the cookies achieve their characteristic crinkles.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and generously roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and cracked tops have formed. The cookies should be soft and fudgy in the center.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Helpful Tips
- For an extra festive touch, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a hint of warmth and spice.
- If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, try substituting half of the granulated sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like taste.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Storage Instructions
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pairings
These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful addition to a festive dessert platter alongside gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.
At Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen. We hope this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones and create delicious holiday memories together. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your results with us on social media. Share this festive treat with your friends and family, and explore more enchanting recipes on Zynahz. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more delightful recipes and kitchen inspirations!
