Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Texture: The contrast between the soft, chewy center and the crisp, crackled surface is simply delightful.
• Deep Chocolate Flavor: The use of cocoa powder and melted chocolate ensures a rich, chocolatey taste in every bite.
• Festive Appearance: The distinctive cracks and powdered sugar coating give these cookies a festive look, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

• For Rolling:

  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a medium bowl, mix together the white sugar, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil.
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

2. Chill the Dough:

   • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to firm up.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

4. Form the Cookies:

   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
   • Roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar until generously coated.

5. Bake:

   • Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 36 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes to overnight (including chilling)

Variations

• Mint Chocolate Crinkles: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty twist.
• Spicy Chocolate Crinkles: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• White Chocolate Crinkles: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or melted coconut oil.

2. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking, and avoid placing the dough balls too close together on the baking sheet.

3. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer will work fine for mixing the dough.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be set, and the centers may still appear slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

5. Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes, you can fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture.

6. Why are my cookies not cracking?

Ensure the dough is chilled properly, and the cookies are rolled in enough powdered sugar to create the crinkle effect.

7. Can I use dark cocoa powder?

Yes, using dark cocoa powder will result in a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

8. How can I make the cookies chewier?

Underbake the cookies slightly and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

9. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute white sugar with brown sugar for a different flavor profile, but it may affect the texture slightly.

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