As the air gets crisp and the holiday spirit grows, nothing beats the smell of Christmas crinkle cookies baking. These treats are loved for their crackly tops and soft centers. They’re a favorite in many American homes.
I remember waiting for these christmas cookie recipes holiday treats as a kid. My grandmother would make them, rolling the dough into balls and covering them in powdered sugar. The smell of baking was exciting. The first bite was always a joy.
Now, as a parent, I’m happy to share this christmas baking cookies recipe with my kids. I want to make the same happy memories for them.
Why These Christmas Crinkle Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have
Crinkle cookies are a Christmas classic. They bring joy to tables during the holiday season. Their special look and taste make them stand out.
The Magic Behind Their Signature Crackled Look
The secret to their crinkles is in the baking. The dough is chilled before baking. This makes it expand and crack, creating their unique look.
What Makes These Cookies Special for Christmas
Christmas crinkle cookies are loved for their flavors and festive look. They mix rich chocolate with warm spices and powdered sugar. This mix captures the holiday spirit.
These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. They become a special part of your holiday traditions.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crinkle Cookies
Making the perfect Christmas crinkle cookies starts with the right ingredients. Whether you’re a pro or new to baking, knowing the key ingredients is crucial. Let’s explore the must-haves for these festive treats.
The core of the recipe includes flour, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. These ingredients make the cookie’s rich, chocolatey taste. Baking powder adds the special crackled look and soft texture.
Vanilla extract and a bit of salt balance the sweetness. They make the cookie taste even better. The powdered sugar coating adds sweetness and that beautiful crinkle.
Here’s a simple list of what you need for amazing Christmas crinkle cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Quality matters in baking. Choose the best cocoa powder, vanilla, and eggs. With these ingredients, you’ll make cookies that everyone will love.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To bake perfect christmas treats, you need the right tools. From basic to extra, we’ll cover what you need. These items will help you make delicious holiday cookies.
Basic Baking Tools for Success
- Baking sheets or cookie sheets: You’ll need a couple of these sturdy, heavy-duty pans to bake your cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These provide a non-stick surface for easy cookie removal.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two bowls – one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: This will make mixing the cookie dough a breeze.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key for cookies easy baking.
- Spatula or cookie scoop: These help you portion out the dough and transfer the cookies to the baking sheet.
Optional Equipment for Easier Preparation
While the basic tools above are essential, there are a few additional items that can make your christmas baking recipes even more enjoyable:
- Cookie press or cookie stamps: These handy tools can help you create intricate designs and patterns on your cookies.
- Cooling racks: These allow your freshly baked cookies to cool properly without getting soggy.
- Powdered sugar shaker: This makes it easy to evenly dust your crinkle cookies with that signature powdered sugar coating.
With the right tools and planning, you’ll bake amazing cookies. They’ll impress your friends and family during the holidays.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Making perfect crinkle cookies starts with mixing right. Follow these steps to get the best cookie dough. This will give your cookies their special crackled look and soft texture.
- In a big mixing bowl, mix the soft butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Then, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Next, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Mix on low speed until they just come together. Don’t overmix.
- After the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Or up to 24 hours.
Getting those perfect crinkles means chilling the dough well before baking. Skipping this step can make your cookies flat and not even. With a bit of patience and care, you’ll make the best crinkle cookies recipe for your christmas baking cookies and cookies easy holiday fun.
Rolling and Coating Techniques for Beautiful Crackles
Making perfect Christmas crinkle cookies is more than just mixing the dough. The key to their unique look is in how you roll and coat them. Let’s explore the steps to get those classic crinkles for your holiday treats.
Tips for Perfect Powdered Sugar Coating
Coating the dough balls in powdered sugar is key for the crinkle look. Here are some tips for a sweet, even layer:
- Roll the dough into small, evenly-sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
- Completely submerge each dough ball in powdered sugar, gently rolling it around to fully coat the surface.
- Shake off any excess powdered sugar before placing the coated dough balls on your baking sheet.
- For an extra sparkly finish, consider rolling the dough balls in a mix of powdered sugar and granulated sugar.
How to Achieve Those Classic Crinkles
The secret to perfect crackles is in how you handle the dough. Follow these steps for beautifully crinkled cookies:
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, before baking. This makes the dough firmer and easier to work with.
- Use a light touch when rolling the dough into balls. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can prevent the signature crinkles from forming.
- Bake the cookies at a high temperature, around 350°F (175°C), to encourage the dough to spread and crack as it bakes.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to set, usually around 8-10 minutes. This ensures a soft, crinkly center.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll make irresistible Christmas crinkle cookies. They’ll impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Baking Times and Temperature Guidelines
To make perfect crinkle cookies for Christmas, you need the right temperature and time. Follow these tips to get your crinkle cookies recipe just right. They should be delightfully crackled and chewy.
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the best temperature for the crinkle pattern on your christmas baking cookies. Don’t make it too hot. It can make the edges too hard and the centers dry.
- Bake the cookie dough for 10-12 minutes. This lets the cookies spread and get their crinkled tops without getting too hard.
- Watch the cookies closely towards the end. They should have set edges and still look a bit soft in the middle when you take them out.
- Let the christmas cookie recipes holiday cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack. This helps keep the crinkly texture.
Oven temperatures can change, so you might need to adjust the baking time. Aim for cookies that are perfectly crinkled and fudgy.
Print
Easy Christmas Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, and cocoa powder. Mix until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. This helps the cookies maintain their crinkled shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll and Coat: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies have a crackled appearance.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time) | Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal per cookie | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Keeping your homemade christmas crinkle cookies fresh is important. This way, you can enjoy their yummy taste and soft texture all holiday season. With a few easy steps, you can keep these treats fresh for days.
Freezing and Make-Ahead Options
Freezing is a great way to keep your cookies fresh for a long time. Baked cookies can stay good for up to 3 months. The dough can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw them when you want to eat them.
To freeze baked cookies, cool them down first. Then put them in a tight container or bag. For the dough, make balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Maintaining Freshness During the Holidays
- Keep baked cookies in a tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To keep them soft, put a piece of bread or a paper towel in the container.
- Don’t stack the cookies to keep their crinkled look.
- For the best taste, eat your cookies within 3-5 days of baking.
By following these tips, your homemade christmas crinkle cookies will stay fresh and tasty. They’ll be perfect for any holiday dessert party.
Creative Variations and Flavor Options
Christmas is a time for fun holiday treats. The classic crinkle cookie is a favorite. But, why stick to just one flavor? Try new things to make your cookies special.
Make your cookies chocolatey by adding cocoa powder or chocolate chips. For a cool twist, add peppermint extract. Chocolate and peppermint together is a holiday hit.
Want cookies that sparkle? Coat them in sugar and cinnamon before powdered sugar. This makes them shine as they bake.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate chips for a rich treat.
- Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: Mix in peppermint extract for a cool twist.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Crinkle Cookies: Coat in sugar and cinnamon for a sparkly look.
- Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies: Add ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a festive taste.
- Lemon Crinkle Cookies: Use lemon zest and extract for a tangy flavor.
There are so many ways to make crinkle cookies special. Be creative, try new flavors, and find your new favorite cookie.
Troubleshooting Common Crinkle Cookie Issues
Getting perfect crinkle cookies is tricky. But, with some expert tips, you can fix common problems. If your cookies are flat, it might be too much moisture. Try chilling the dough longer or use less liquid.
If your cookies don’t have crinkles, it could be over-mixing. Mix ingredients gently and don’t over-work the dough. Also, make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh.
If your cookies taste too sweet, try using less sugar or add a pinch of salt. With a little practice and these tips, you’ll make amazing crinkle cookies for the holidays.
