Name: Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 32 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Red and green food coloring; 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

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Introduction:

When it comes to holiday baking, few treats are as iconic and beloved as Christmas Crinkle Cookies. Their distinctive cracked appearance, combined with a soft, chewy center, makes them the perfect addition to your festive cookie platter. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the powdered sugar giving them a snowy, wintery look that’s perfect for the season.

Whether you’re looking for a treat to share with family and friends or simply want to fill your home with the warm aromas of freshly baked cookies, Christmas Crinkle Cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Crinkle Cookies:

Perfect Texture: These cookies offer a delightful balance of crispy edges and a soft, chewy interior.
Festive Appearance: Their crinkled surface, dusted with powdered sugar, gives them a gorgeous snowy look that fits the holiday theme.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, roll, and bake for a simple yet impressive treat.
Customizable Flavor: You can add chocolate chips, peppermint extract, or even a touch of orange zest for a personalized twist.

Ingredients for Christmas Crinkle Cookies:

To make these festive cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to roll.
Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating it generously.
Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have cracked and the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Christmas Crinkle Cookies:

Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use high-quality cocoa powder: The rich flavor of cocoa powder is essential for these cookies, so opt for a good-quality, unsweetened variety.
Add mix-ins: If you want to add an extra touch of flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
Don’t overbake: The key to soft, chewy Crinkle Cookies is to avoid overbaking them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are set, but the centers are still soft.

Serving Suggestions:

Christmas Crinkle Cookies are versatile and can be served in many ways. Enjoy them with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of milk, or pack them up as gifts for friends and family. These cookies also make for a wonderful addition to your holiday cookie exchange or as a sweet surprise in a Christmas care package.

Conclusion:

Christmas Crinkle Cookies are the perfect way to bring a touch of sweetness and holiday cheer into your home. With their soft centers, crinkled tops, and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes them. Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing with loved ones, or just indulging in some festive treats yourself, these cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite.

Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Crinkle Cookies

Serving Tips:

Pair with Holiday Drinks: Christmas Crinkle Cookies are delicious when served with festive beverages like hot cocoa, eggnog, or a steaming cup of tea. For an added touch, consider topping your hot chocolate with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cookie Platter: These cookies make a perfect addition to a holiday cookie platter. Their eye-catching cracked appearance makes them a standout alongside other festive treats like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles.
Gift-Giving: Christmas Crinkle Cookies make excellent homemade gifts. Pack them in a beautiful tin or box, and tie with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious present. They can also be included in a holiday cookie exchange for sharing with friends and family.
Dessert Buffets: Serve these cookies as part of a dessert buffet at your holiday parties. Their sweet, rich flavor complements other desserts, making them a crowd favorite.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature Storage: To keep your Christmas Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days.
Freezing for Later: If you want to make these cookies in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they will last for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Keep Powdered Sugar Fresh: If you’re storing cookies for a longer period, be mindful that powdered sugar may begin to absorb moisture. For the best results, store the cookies in a way that minimizes exposure to air and humidity, such as in a tightly sealed container.
Avoid Overpacking: When storing these cookies, avoid overcrowding the container, as this can cause them to stick together and lose their shape. Instead, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to keep them separated.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Christmas Crinkle Cookies fresh throughout the holiday season!

Can I make Christmas Crinkle Cookies in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
Why do my Christmas Crinkle Cookies not have a lot of cracks? If your cookies don’t crack as much as you’d like, it could be due to the dough being too warm when placed on the baking sheet or not enough powdered sugar being applied before baking. Be sure to chill the dough for at least an hour and roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to help achieve the signature crinkle effect.
Can I add mix-ins to the dough? Yes, you can customize your Christmas Crinkle Cookies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed candy canes for a minty twist. Just fold them into the dough before rolling into balls and baking.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking? To prevent excessive spreading, make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking, and avoid skipping the chilling step. You can also use parchment paper to line your baking sheet to help the cookies retain their shape during baking.