Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Chocolate Crackle Cookies are one of our most loved Christmas cookies. These cookies have a brownie like center and a soft crisp outside. Add these delightful cookies to your Christmas cookie tray!

Originally published on December 8, 2018 and republished on December 22, 2020. These are a staple every Christmas. Either nonna or I will bake these leading up to Christmas.

There are some cookies that are holiday staples. The holidays are not complete unless we make our favorites, like these delightful Chocolate Crackle Cookies!

Chocolate Crackle Cookies

These chocolate crackle cookies (or you may call them Chocolate Crinkle Cookies) are one of these very special cookies. We do a lot of cookie baking every holiday. Some favorites are our Italian Lemon Knot Cookies and also our Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I normally don’t get too excited about chocolate desserts. Apple desserts are my favorite most of the time. But these little cookies are chocolate perfection.

What are some of your favorite cookies to bake?

Can you freeze chocolate crackle (crinkle) cookies?

The cookies can be soft or crisp and chewy. It depends on how long you bake them. If you would like to freeze the cookies, roll them into the balls without dipping them in the confectioner’s sugar. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until they are firm. Once they are firm, store the cookies in an airtight container or plastic bag until you are ready to bake them.

How long do chocolate crackle (crinkle) cookies last?

The cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months.

A little about these cookies: Fudgy cookies with a crackly and little bit crispy exterior. Really hard to eat just one! They are so easy to make.

Tips to make the best chocolate crackle cookies:

• You have to make sure the dough is very cold before you start to roll them into balls. If you don’t chill them long enough, it will be one sticky mess!
• Rolling them in the powdered sugar before baking gives the cookies the most beautiful crackled look. The snow white powder exterior is a stunning contrast to the chocolate cookie interior.
• I always end up making enough for both kids to make on their own.
• Of all the cookies we bake each year, this is the chocolate crackle cookie is the most requested. They also make a really sweet gift idea and look so pretty all wrapped up.

Some other holiday cookies to enjoy:

• Italian Rainbow Cookies
• Cuccidati-Sicilian Fig Cookies
• Italian Lemon Knot Cookies
• Sicilian S Cookies

recipe from Martha Stewart 2003

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Chocolate Crackle Cookies

One of our most loved Christmas cookies. Chocolate Crackle Cookies have a brownie like center and a soft crisp outside. Add these delightful cookies to your Christmas cookie tray!

Prep Time2 hrs

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time2 hrs 15 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate, Christmas, Cookies

Servings: 48 cookies

Author: Lora

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate melted and cooled
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups light-brown sugar firmly packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar plus more for rolling

Instructions

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Chop bittersweet chocolate into small bits, and melt over medium heat in a heat-proof bowl or the top of a double boiler set over a pan of simmering water. Set aside to cool. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
• In the bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and light-brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add melted chocolate. With mixer on low speed, alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until just combined. Divide the dough into quarters, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.
• On a clean countertop, roll each portion of dough into a log approximately 16 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, using confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Wrap logs in plastic wrap, and transfer to a baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes. Cut each log into 1-inch pieces, and toss in confectioners’ sugar, a few at a time.
• Using your hands, roll the pieces into a ball shape. If any of the cocoa-colored dough is visible, roll dough in confectioners’ sugar again to coat completely. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a Silpat-lined baking sheet. Bake until cookies have flattened and the sugar splits, 12 to15 minutes.
• Transfer from oven to a wire rack to let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!