Chocolate crinkle cookies are a holiday classic, beloved for their rich, fudgy centers and snowy powdered sugar coating. When baked, they create a beautiful “crinkled” look, which makes them look like mini snow-capped mountains—a perfect fit for the Christmas season! This post delves into the history of chocolate crinkle cookies and provides a delicious recipe to help you make this timeless treat at home.
Their unique texture—crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—is achieved by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking, which then splits apart, forming cracks as the cookies expand. In addition to their delightful appearance, chocolate crinkle cookies offer a rich, brownie-like flavor that makes them stand out on holiday cookie trays. Now, they’re baked by families across the world, especially during the Christmas season, as they look beautiful next to other festive treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 oz. dark chocolate (55 to 65 percent)
- 4. oz. unsalted butter, softened
- 7 oz. dark brown sugar
- 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 7 oz. all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 oz. cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, for coating
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the Dough – Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Generous Coating – For the best “crinkle” effect, roll the cookie dough balls generously in powdered sugar, covering them completely. This helps create the snowy cracks as they bake.
- Do Not Overbake – Chocolate crinkle cookies are best when they have a slightly fudgy center, so avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
Recipe Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring water to a simmer in a small saucepan over low heat. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and place the bowl over the simmering water. Occasionally stir the chocolate until it is melted. Remove the bowl from heat and set it aside.
- In the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, dark brown sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until the mixture is very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the work bowl and then beat the mixture for another 5 minutes.
- Reduce the speed to low, add the melted chocolate, and beat until incorporated, scraping down the work bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time and beat until incorporated, again scraping the work bowl as needed. When both eggs have been incorporated, beat for another minute.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt and beat until the mixture comes together as a smooth dough.
- Drop 2 oz. portions of the dough on the baking sheets, making sure to leave enough space between them. Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and let the dough firm up for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350ÅãF. Place the confectioners’ sugar in a mixing bowl, toss the cookie dough balls in the sugar until completely coated, and then place them back on the baking sheets.
- Place the cookies in the oven and bake until a cake tester comes out clean after being inserted, 12 to 14 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack, and let them cool for 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying.
Why We Love Chocolate Crinkle Cookies for the Holidays
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavor and festive appearance. Their snow-dusted look is perfect for the season, adding a wintery touch to any Christmas cookie platter. They’re also fun to make with kids—rolling the dough in powdered sugar is a messy but enjoyable step for little helpers! With their deep chocolate taste and brownie-like texture, these cookies are a cozy, comforting addition to holiday gatherings and make a lovely gift for friends and family.
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic treat that brings warmth and charm to the holiday season. Whether you’re making them as part of a Christmas tradition or sharing them as holiday gifts, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Try this recipe and let the magic of chocolate crinkle cookies sweeten your holiday celebrations!
For more recipes like this, be sure to check out The Christmas Baking Cookbook with 100 festive recipes for holiday bakers. Turn your kitchen into a haven of holiday cheer with The Christmas Baking Cookbook. From traditional gingerbread cookies to sweet innovations such as the eggnog-flavored cupcake, this cookbook is guaranteed to elevate your festive candies. Discover new favorites and expand your repertoire as you sit by the fireside this season with your favorite holiday goodies.
