Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Short Description

Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a classic holiday favorite, featuring a rich, fudgy interior with a crisp, crackled exterior. Coated in powdered sugar before baking, these cookies develop beautiful crinkles as they spread in the oven, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures
• Rich, chocolatey flavor that satisfies sweet cravings
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Beautiful crackled appearance makes them great for gifting or special occasions
• A great alternative to classic chocolate chip cookies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil
• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick dough forms.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls.
7. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring even coverage.
8. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies have spread and developed crinkles.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Crinkle Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a warm, spiced twist.
• Espresso Infused: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder.
• Double Chocolate: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty bite.
• Peppermint Flavor: Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive touch.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week for prolonged freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly and roll in powdered sugar before baking.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

FAQs

How do I get perfect crinkles on my cookies?

Chilling the dough and coating each ball in powdered sugar ensures the cookies crack beautifully while baking.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, but using oil helps achieve a chewier texture. Melted butter may result in slightly different consistency.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll?

If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it longer or dust your hands with powdered sugar before rolling.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze the dough balls for future baking.

Do I have to use granulated sugar and brown sugar?

A mix of both sugars enhances the chewy texture and deepens the flavor, but you can use just granulated sugar if needed.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough is properly chilled, and avoid over-mixing the ingredients.

Can I substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

No, cocoa powder provides structure, while melted chocolate would change the texture and consistency of the dough.

What’s the best way to coat the cookies in powdered sugar?

Roll them once in granulated sugar before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent the coating from melting during baking.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch to these cookies.

Why did my cookies turn out dry?

Overbaking can cause dryness. Remove them from the oven when they still look slightly soft in the center.

Conclusion

Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a delightful, fudgy treat perfect for any occasion. Their irresistible texture, rich chocolate flavor, and signature crinkle coating make them a favorite among cookie lovers. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, these cookies are sure to impress!

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