Bake Up Some Holiday Cheer with This Festive Christmas Crinkle Cookie Recipe
Meta Description: Bring joy to your holiday baking with this simple and delicious Christmas Crinkle Cookie recipe! Perfect for gifting or sharing with family.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies: A Sweet, Festive Treat for the Holidays
If you're looking for a holiday treat that's as beautiful as it is delicious, Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a must-try! With their fudgy centers and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies have the perfect festive look to add a bit of holiday magic to any gathering. This recipe, inspired by the BBC’s Festive Crinkle Biscuits, is simple to make and yields irresistibly soft, chocolatey cookies that everyone will love. Find the full recipe here.
Why You'll Love Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make! The dough is rolled in powdered sugar before baking, creating that iconic cracked surface as they bake. Their texture is wonderfully soft with a rich, chocolate flavor, and the powdered sugar coating gives a delightful contrast. Plus, they’re easy to make and a wonderful activity to do with kids or friends.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 125g butter
- 300g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g plain flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 75g icing sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter over a pot of simmering water. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the caster sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, then add the melted chocolate mixture and stir well.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the chocolate mixture until fully combined. Cover the bowl and chill the dough for at least 1 hour – this helps make it easier to handle and roll.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F, and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll in Icing Sugar: Using a spoon or scoop, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in icing sugar until fully coated – this creates the beautiful crinkle effect as the cookies bake.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they have spread and cracked. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Crinkle Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, giving them that signature cracked look.
- Generous Icing Sugar Coating: Roll the cookie dough balls in a thick layer of icing sugar to get a snowy, crinkled effect.
- Storage: Keep your crinkle cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain their soft, fudgy texture.
Christmas Crinkle Cookies: A Thoughtful Gift Idea
Crinkle cookies make delightful holiday gifts! Place them in a festive tin or wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for a homemade treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re sharing them with family or friends, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: You can, but dark chocolate gives these cookies a richer flavor. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, milk chocolate is an option!
Q: How can I make them extra festive?
A: You can add a dash of peppermint extract to the dough for a hint of minty holiday flavor!
Conclusion
Christmas Crinkle Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Their cracked, snowy appearance and deliciously soft centers make them perfect for Christmas gatherings or as thoughtful, homemade gifts. With this simple recipe, you’ll be baking up a batch of holiday cheer in no time. Happy baking, and enjoy the magic of the season!