Old-Fashioned Chocolate Crackle Cookies are a delightful treat with a nostalgic twist. Their signature crackled surface and rich, chocolatey flavor make them a timeless favorite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet mid-week indulgence!
The foundation of our cookies starts with unsweetened cocoa powder, giving them that deep, rich chocolate flavor we crave. To sweeten things up, we use granulated sugar, which also helps create that beautiful crackle texture. Vegetable oil provides moisture and helps keep the cookies soft. Eggs are the binding agents, adding structure and richness. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor. The all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt work together to provide the right texture and lift. Finally, powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature crackled appearance once baked.
These cookies are perfect on their own, but for a real treat, pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve them on a colorful platter at your holiday gatherings.
Start by grabbing a medium bowl, and mix together the cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This is the base of your cookie dough, so make sure it’s well combined.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, giving your cookies the perfect texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until you have a cohesive dough. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling period is crucial for developing the flavors and making the dough easier to handle.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar until completely covered. This step is what creates that iconic crackle effect.
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are set and beautifully crackled. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to finish cooling.
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