Find a delicious chocolate crinkle cookies recipe that makes fudgy, powdered sugar-coated treats. These homemade cookies have a brownie-like texture. They’re easy to make and only 88 calories each. They’re a top choice for holiday baking, being rich and decadent but not too fattening.
Key Takeaways
- Fudgy, brownie-like texture
- Only 88 calories per cookie
- Perfect for holiday baking
- Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar
- Easy to make and double the recipe
What Makes These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Special
These chocolate crinkle cookies are loved for their fudgy texture and crunchy outside. They have a brownie-like center that’s just right. Plus, each cookie has only 88 calories, making them a sweet treat without the guilt.
These cookies are also holiday favorites. Their beautiful sugar coating and rich chocolate color make them perfect for Christmas or winter parties. They’re a hit whether you’re baking for others or treating yourself.
“These cookies are a true revelation – rich, fudgy, and surprisingly low in calories. They’re the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth without packing on the pounds.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
To make delicious chocolate crinkle cookies, you need the right mix of ingredients. At the center of this recipe are cocoa powder, vegetable oil, and confectioner’s sugar. These three are key for the cookies’ crinkled look, soft texture, and deep chocolate taste.
The recipe also includes all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Some recipes add espresso powder for more chocolate flavor or chopped chocolate bars for extra richness.
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/2 cup |
Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
Confectioner’s sugar | 1 cup |
All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Eggs | 2 |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Espresso powder (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Semi-sweet chocolate bars, chopped (optional) | 1/2 cup |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake delicious chocolate crinkle cookies. They’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Ready to bake up a batch of irresistible chocolate crinkle cookies? This classic recipe is the perfect balance of fudgy and sweet. It has a distinctive crackled top that makes every bite a delight. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients and kitchen tools needed to create these holiday favorites.
Base Ingredients
To make the rich and chocolatey cookie dough, you’ll need a few key cookie dough ingredients:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Coating Ingredients
For the classic powdered sugar coating, you’ll need just one simple ingredient:
- Confectioner’s (powdered) sugar
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To bring this recipe to life, you’ll need a few essential baking tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
With these basic ingredients and equipment, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect batch of chocolate crinkle cookies.
The Secret to Getting That Perfect Crackled Top
Getting that perfect crackled top on your chocolate crinkle cookies is easier than you think. The secret is the double-coating technique. It makes the cookies have a stark white, cracked look after baking.
First, roll the chilled dough balls in granulated sugar. This first layer helps the powdered sugar stick better. Then, coat the sugared dough balls in powdered sugar, pressing it in for full coverage.
The mix of two sugar layers is key for those perfect crinkle cookie tops. As the cookies bake, the granulated sugar melts. This creates cracks in the powdered sugar, giving that signature look.
This simple yet effective crinkle cookie technique is a must-try for anyone wanting bakery-quality chocolate crinkle cookies at home. The powdered sugar coating is the final step that elevates these fudgy treats.
“The double sugar roll is the secret to those beautiful crackled tops. It’s a must-try technique for perfect chocolate crinkle cookies every time.”
With a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of making crackled chocolate crinkle cookies. Just remember to chill the dough, roll in granulated sugar, then coat in powdered sugar before baking. Your friends and family will love your baking skills.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Start by mixing the wet and dry ingredients for the perfect chocolate crinkle cookies. First, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, and oil in a big bowl until smooth. Next, add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. This makes a rich, fudgy base for your cookies.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Don’t overmix to avoid tough cookies.
Adding Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to chill the dough. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is key for the crinkly tops on your cookies.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is crucial for the cookie dough preparation and texture. The chilling cookie dough makes the dough firm. This is important for the beautiful crackled tops on your cookies.
By following these steps, you’ll make irresistible chocolate crinkle cookies. They will delight your taste buds and eyes.
Best Practices for Rolling and Coating
To get your chocolate crinkle cookies just right, you need some technique. Here are some tips for perfect cookie shaping and sugar coating:
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures each cookie is uniform in size for even baking.
- Roll the dough balls quickly between your palms to prevent the warmth from your hands from softening the dough. For smaller cookies, use about 1 tablespoon of dough; for larger ones, go with 2 tablespoons.
- First, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar to get an even coating. Then, heavily coat them in powdered sugar for that signature crinkly, snowy look.
Working quickly and efficiently is key. This will help you achieve those fudgy, crackly-topped cookies that everyone loves during the holidays.
Baking Tips for Fudgy Centers
To get the perfect fudgy texture in your chocolate crinkle cookies, pay close attention to the baking process. The key is to find the right balance between oven temperature and baking time. This will give you a soft, rich inside and the signature crackled tops.
Temperature Guidelines
Preheat your oven a bit lower than the usual 350°F (175°C). The best temperature for these fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies is 325°F (165°C). This lower heat keeps the centers moist and fudgy, while the outside gets a nice crackled look.
Timing Perfection
- For smaller cookies, bake for 10 minutes.
- For larger cookies, bake for 12 minutes.
The cookies will look soft when you take them out of the oven. But they will get firmer and fudgier as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking, as it can make them dry and cakey instead of fudgy.
To bake evenly, turn the baking sheet around halfway through. This step stops the cookies from getting too brown on one side. It keeps them looking and tasting the same all over.
Storage and Freshness Tips
Keeping your homemade chocolate crinkle cookies fresh is easy with the right storage. These fudgy treats stay flavorful for up to a week with a few simple steps.
To keep them fresh, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This method locks in moisture and keeps them soft. The cookies will stay chewy for 5-7 days this way.
Want to keep them even longer? Freeze the cookie dough for up to 4 weeks. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them, and then store them in a container or bag. Bake the frozen dough without thawing for fresh cookies.
Follow these tips for cookie storage and freshness to enjoy your chocolate crinkle cookies for days or weeks. With proper preparation and storage, they’ll always be soft, fudgy, and delicious.
Why Chilling Time Matters
Chilling the cookie dough is key to making perfect chocolate crinkle cookies. Waiting for 3-4 hours, or even overnight, is worth it. It changes the texture and look of your cookies.
The chilling time does several things:
- It makes the dough firmer, easier to handle, and roll into balls.
- Chilling leads to thicker, fudgier cookies with a rich, brownie-like taste.
- It also reduces spreading during baking. This gives you cookies with crinkled tops and soft centers.
For the best results, chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. But, chilling it overnight or up to 24 hours is even better. This lets the ingredients meld and the texture improve. Your chocolate crinkle cookies will be perfectly fudgy every time.
Preparation Time | Chilling Time | Baking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 30 minutes – 24 hours | 8-10 minutes | 27 minutes – 24 hours, 15 minutes |
By taking the time to chill the cookie dough properly, you’ll get rich, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookies. They’ll impress your friends and family. The texture improvement is well worth the wait!
Variations and Add-ins
Crinkle cookies are a classic, but you can still get creative. Try adding different flavors and textures to make them your own. From rich mix-ins to unique flavor twists, there’s a lot you can do.
Flavor Enhancements
Boost your crinkle cookies with special ingredients. A bit of espresso powder can make the chocolate taste even better. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar gives a tangy twist.
For a holiday touch, add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract. It’s a fun way to celebrate.
Texture Options
Want to change the texture? Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for a nice crunch. For chewier cookies, use more brown sugar and an extra yolk.
Remember to chill the dough well. This helps your cookies keep their shape while baking.
With a bit of creativity, you can make your chocolate crinkle cookies truly special. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Your taste buds and cookie jar will love it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Baking chocolate crinkle cookies can be fun, but you might face some problems. Don’t worry, we’ve got some cookie baking problems and crinkle cookie tips to help. They’ll make sure your cookies are perfect every time.
If your cookies spread too much, it might be because the dough is too warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes or more before baking. If your cookies are too dry, bake them for a bit less time. This will keep them fudgy and delicious.
Another issue is when the powdered sugar coating disappears. To avoid this, coat the dough balls well in sugar before baking. Also, start with a hot oven (around 350°F or 175°C). This helps get the perfect crackled top and fudgy center.
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Cookies spread too much | Chill the dough longer before baking |
Cookies are too dry | Reduce baking time |
Powdered sugar disappears | Ensure a thick coating before baking |
Incorrect texture and appearance | Start with a hot oven (350°F/175°C) |
Remember these cookie baking problems and crinkle cookie tips. They’ll help you make amazing chocolate crinkle cookies. Your family and friends will love them.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
The cookie calorie count and serving size for these chocolate crinkle cookies are impressive. The small cookies, made with about 1 tablespoon of dough, have only 88 calories each. The larger cookies, made with 2 tablespoons of dough, have around 146 calories per serving.
A typical serving size is just one cookie. But with such a low calorie count, you might want another! The full nutritional breakdown includes:
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
- Sodium: 1mg
- Potassium: 0mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 0%
- Vitamin C: 0%
- Calcium: 0%
- Iron: 0%
These cookies have a rich, fudgy texture and a sweet chocolate flavor. They show you can enjoy a tasty treat without gaining weight. Enjoy them guilt-free as a holiday treat or when you need something chocolatey.
Conclusion
The Easy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe is a perfect mix of fudgy texture and sweet chocolate flavor. They’re great for holiday baking, as gifts, or just for enjoying anytime. These cookies are loved by all, thanks to their beautiful look and soft, chocolatey taste.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow. It has a simple list of ingredients and clear instructions. This makes it easy to get the best results for your holiday baking.
So, get your oven ready and start baking. The chocolate crinkle cookies are ready to be enjoyed and shared. Happy baking!
FAQ
What makes these chocolate crinkle cookies special?
These cookies are special because of their brownie-like center and crunchy outside. They have only 88 calories per cookie, making them a guilt-free treat. Their striking look and rich taste make them a favorite for Christmas and winter gatherings.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are unsweetened cocoa powder, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. You also need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and confectioner’s sugar for coating. Some recipes add espresso powder and semi-sweet chocolate bars for extra flavor.
What equipment is needed to make these cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, a stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a cookie scoop.
What’s the secret to achieving the iconic crackled top?
The secret is the double-coating process. First, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar. This creates a stark white, crackled look after baking.
How do you properly chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 3-4 hours. This makes it easier to handle and results in thicker, fudgier cookies. Chilling overnight or up to 24 hours is best.
What are some variations and add-ins to try?
Try adding espresso powder or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Add chocolate chips or nuts for texture. Use semi-sweet chocolate bars in the dough for extra richness.
How can I troubleshoot common issues with these cookies?
If cookies spread too much, chill the dough longer. For dry cookies, bake for less time. Make sure to coat thickly with powdered sugar. Start with a hot oven for the right texture and look.
What is the nutritional information and serving size?
Smaller cookies (1 tablespoon dough) have about 88 calories. Larger cookies (2 tablespoons dough) have 146 calories. A serving is one cookie. The full nutritional breakdown includes carbs, protein, fat, and more.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings