Chocolate Crinkles Recipe

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor that is the backbone of these cookies.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create the crackled texture.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving the cookies their structure.

Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light texture.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Powdered sugar: Coats the dough balls, creating the classic crinkled appearance after baking.

When rolling the dough into 1-inch balls, lightly oil your hands to prevent the dough from sticking. This will make it easier to form uniform balls and ensure an even coating of powdered sugar.

• unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder has a similar color and texture to cocoa powder but is naturally sweeter, so you may need to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, making it a healthier alternative.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative and adds fiber.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to chocolate, adding a nutty note.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and may add a slightly different mineral flavor.

• powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut flour: Coconut flour can be used for coating if you want a lower-sugar option, though it will not be as sweet.

• To keep your chocolate crinkles fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week.
• If you prefer a longer storage time, you can refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and they will last for up to two weeks.
• For those who love to plan ahead, freezing is an excellent option. First, allow the chocolate crinkles to cool completely on wire racks.
• Once cooled, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This step prevents them from sticking together.
• After the initial freeze, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to label the container with the date.
• When you're ready to enjoy your chocolate crinkles, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
• If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their freshly baked texture.
• For an extra touch of indulgence, consider sprinkling a bit more powdered sugar on top before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the chocolate crinkles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover the cookies loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
  5. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a few chocolate crinkles on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the cookies with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
  4. Check the cookies and add a few more seconds if necessary, but be careful not to overheat them.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the chocolate crinkles on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't overheat.
  4. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

• Steam Method:

  1. Place a steaming rack in a pot with a small amount of water.
  2. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
  3. Place the chocolate crinkles on a heatproof plate and set it on the steaming rack.
  4. Cover the pot and steam for about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Remove carefully and let cool slightly before enjoying.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil, as well as to mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Used to blend the cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil together smoothly.

• Electric mixer: Helpful for beating in the eggs one at a time and ensuring a smooth mixture.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and for stirring in the vanilla extract.

• Separate bowl: Needed to combine the flour, baking powder, and salt before adding them to the cocoa mixture.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring out the cocoa powder, sugar, vegetable oil, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt.

• Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator.

• Baking sheets: Lined with parchment paper, these are used to bake the cookies.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the cookies.

• Cooling racks: Used to cool the cookies completely after they have been baked.

• Spoon: Useful for scooping out the dough to roll into balls.

• Powdered sugar bowl: A small bowl to hold the powdered sugar for coating the dough balls.

• Wire racks: Used to transfer the cookies from the baking sheets to cool completely.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure out cocoa powder, sugar, and flour the night before to save time.

Use a cookie scoop: This ensures uniform dough balls and speeds up the rolling process.

Chill dough efficiently: Flatten the dough into a disk before chilling; it will cool faster and more evenly.

Batch baking: Line multiple baking sheets with parchment paper so you can quickly swap out batches.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while rolling the dough balls to save time.