Christmas Crinkle Cookies are those delightfully soft, chewy cookies that have a beautiful cracked surface, often dusted with powdered sugar. They are incredibly fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. With their festive appearance, they have become a favorite during the holiday season. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration in every bite!
Ingredients for Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe
To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional Add-Ins
- Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey goodness!
- Peppermint Extract: Adding a few drops can give it that holiday flavor.
- Chopped Nuts: Consider walnuts or pecans for a lovely texture.
How to Make Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have all your ingredients on hand. This keeps the process smooth and enjoyable.
Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
Blend the Sugars and Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the egg and mix until it’s well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir until everything is just combined. The batter will be thick.
- If you’re adding in chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dough.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps enhance the flavors and makes rolling the cookies easier.
Form the Cookies
- Once the dough is chilled, scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Roll the ball in powdered sugar until it is generously coated.
Bake the Cookies
- Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving ample space between them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will crack on the top and look slightly underbaked, but that’s how you want them!
Cool and Dust
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- After they’ve cooled slightly, dust them with more powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for the Best Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to take them out when they’re slightly under-baked.
- Chilling is Key: Chilling the dough helps to achieve the perfect texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Generous Coating: Be generous when rolling in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look.
How to Serve Christmas Crinkle Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own but also delightful when paired with:
- Hot Chocolate: Perfect for cozying up by the fireplace.
- Milk: A classic combo that never fails.
- Coffee or Tea: For a lovely afternoon treat.
Storage Tips for Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked dough balls by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Variations of Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies: Swap out cocoa powder for red velvet cake mix.
- Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: Crush some peppermint candy and mix it into the dough for a festive crunch.
- Matcha Crinkle Cookies: Use matcha powder instead of cocoa powder for a unique green treat.
Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients
While these cookies are a treat, there are a few nutritional notes worth mentioning:
- Cocoa Powder: High in antioxidants, it can provide some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
- Sugar: Though a treat, using natural sweeteners can make the cookies slightly healthier.
Making Christmas Crinkle Cookies is all about sharing joy with family and friends during the holiday season. Each bite brings a sprinkle of magic that makes Christmas celebrations even more special. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies as much as I do. Happy baking and happy holidays!