The Ultimate Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Are you ready to bake the most irresistible, chewy chocolate crinkle cookies? This recipe delivers perfectly textured cookies with a delightful crackled exterior and a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth center. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. Make sure you have these on hand before you start:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for a smooth and creamy cookie dough. Don't melt it!
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: This provides the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
- 4 large eggs: For structure and richness. Room temperature eggs are best for even incorporation.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla elevates the chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookie.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is recommended for a richer, deeper color.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: For that signature crinkle effect and a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For coating the cookies, creating the characteristic crinkled texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly crinkled, chewy cookies:
1. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing will lead to tough cookies.
5. Prepare the Powdered Sugar Coating:
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish.
6. Shape and Coat the Cookies:
Roll each cookie dough ball into a 1-inch ball. Roll the ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring it's fully coated.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the coated cookie dough balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the dough: For even more intense crinkles, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes.
- Experiment with additions: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or espresso powder to customize your cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use dark cocoa powder? Yes, dark cocoa powder will give your cookies a more intense chocolate flavor.
- How do I store leftover cookies? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate crinkle cookies! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy baking!