Pin it Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a timeless dessert beloved for their rich, fudgy centers and distinctive crackled powdered sugar exterior. These soft yet crisp treats deliver a perfect balance of textures, making each bite an irresistible delight. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, they bring a comforting warmth to any occasion.
Pin it The magic of these cookies lies in the chilling step, which not only firms the dough for easier rolling but also deepens the chocolate flavor. Rolling them in a thick coating of powdered sugar creates their signature crackled appearance as they bake, revealing a joyful contrast of dark chocolate and snowy white.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For Rolling
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- 1. Whisk dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- 2. Mix wet ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- 3. Combine mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. The dough will be sticky.
- 4. Refrigerate dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm enough to handle.
- 5. Prepare for baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 6. Roll dough balls
- Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls (about 1 inch/2.5 cm in diameter). Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat completely.
- 7. Arrange for baking
- Arrange the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- 8. Bake cookies
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are puffed and crackled but still soft in the centers.
- 9. Cool cookies
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For best results, chill the dough thoroughly to ensure easy handling and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Use a cookie scoop to create uniform sizes, which bake evenly. Don’t overbake; the centers should remain soft for the perfect fudgy texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Enhance the chocolate intensity by substituting Dutch-process cocoa powder for regular cocoa. For a deeper coffee-chocolate flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. These cookies are naturally vegetarian and can be stored or frozen for convenience.
Serviervorschläge
Serve Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or your favorite tea for a cozy treat. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative tins or boxes, perfect for special occasions or holidays.
Pin it With their simple preparation and undeniably delicious results, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Celebrate every bite with the perfect blend of fudgy richness and delicate crunch.
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve the crackled sugar coating?
Rolling the chilled dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking creates the signature crackled sugar effect once baked.
- → Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- → Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa?
Yes, Dutch-process cocoa offers a richer, smoother chocolate flavor which enhances the overall taste.
- → What texture should the cookies have after baking?
The cookies should be soft and chewy inside with a crisp, crackled exterior.
- → How should these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to two months to maintain freshness.
- → Can I add espresso powder to intensify flavor?
Adding half a teaspoon of instant espresso powder enhances the chocolate depth without overpowering.