Dec52009

25 Days of Cookies: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

crackles

I love chocolate crinkle cookies. They’re fun cookies to make, and getting the kids to help makes for a fun (if not messy) afternoon project. They also make a great addition to a holiday tin to give out to friends and neighbors.

[image: flickr]

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

8 oz bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 cup confectioners sugar

Melt chocolate on a heat-proof bowl in the microwave in 30 second increments, checking often; or use a double boiler. Set aside to cool.

Into a small bowl sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, using an electric mixer beat butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add melted chocolate. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Mix on low speed until combined. Divide dough into quarters, wrap with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator until firm (at least two hours).

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a surface dusted with confectioner’s sugar, use your hands to roll each portion of the dough into a log 16 inches in length and about an inch in diameter. Wrap logs in plastic wrap and return to the refrigerator to chill (at least 30 minutes). Cut each log into 1-inch pieces and toss in confectioner’s sugar a few at a time, rolling to completely cover each ball. Place cookies on sheets 2 inches apart. Bake until cookies have flattened and sugar splits (12-15 minutes).

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Makes about 5 dozen.

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Dec32009

25 Day of Cookies: Warm Gingerbread Cookies

gingerbread

What would the holidays be without gingerbread? It’s my most favorite seasonal flavor, and I love when cooler weather rolls around so I have an excuse to make it (it just doesn’t seem to go well when it’s 120° out or I’d make it then too).

My favorite recipe comes from Gail Gand, talented pastry chef formerly employed by Food Network (which is how you know she’s talented — she no longer has a show there).

For some reason, I don’t have any gingerbread men cookie cutters (although I’ve got these on my wishlist, so maybe I’ll be able to make some next year). I make do with my cute little star cutters, though, which tend to work well for both Christmas cookies and Fourth of July cookies! I also have a little tip on how to get an extra clean-cut cookie.

Warm Gingerbread Cookies
from Gale Gand

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

~ In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and mix. Add the eggs and mix. Add the molasses and vanilla and mix.

~ Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together. Working in batches and mixing after each addition until just combined, add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Shape the dough into a thick disk, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.

~ Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

~ Grease 1 or 2 cookie sheets. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out 1/4-inch thick and cut out with desired cookie cutters.

~ Bake until firm, 8 to 10 minutes, and let cool on the pan.

~ Decorate with frosting and candies, if desired.

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For a cookie cutting tip, click here: Read More