Crinkle Cookies: A Simple Recipe for Perfectly Cracked Cookies
Crinkle cookies are a beloved treat known for their irresistible crackled exterior and chewy interior. This recipe delivers perfectly textured cookies every time, and it's surprisingly easy! Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to achieve that iconic crinkled look and delicious taste.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Cream together the butter and granulated sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works great for this, but a hand mixer will do the job just as well.
Adding the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients:
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Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Shaping and Baking:
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Prepare the powdered sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish.
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Roll the cookie dough: Roll rounded tablespoons of cookie dough into balls.
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Coat in powdered sugar: Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated. This is the key to achieving that signature crinkled texture!
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Place on baking sheets: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Don't overbake, or your cookies will be dry.
Cooling and Serving:
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Cool on baking sheets: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Enjoy! These delicious crinkle cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Tips for Crinkle Cookie Success:
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Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This will ensure proper creaming and a tender crumb.
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Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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Chill the dough (optional): For even better crinkles, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This firms up the dough, preventing it from spreading too much.
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Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Now go ahead and bake a batch of these irresistible crinkle cookies. They're perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy!
