Valentine Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Valentine’s Day is a time for love, sweet gestures, and, of course, delicious treats! One of the best ways to celebrate is by baking homemade Valentine Crinkle Cookies—soft, chewy, and covered in a beautiful crinkled sugar coating. These cookies are perfect for sharing with your loved one, gifting to friends, or enjoying a romantic evening with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Their vibrant red or pink color, combined with the crackled powdered sugar coating, makes them a festive and eye-catching dessert. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for a rich chocolate taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon red or pink food coloring
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
For the Coating:
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for extra texture)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and food coloring, mixing well to get a rich red or pink color.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk or buttermilk, stirring until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to make it easier to roll into balls.
Step 2: Rolling and Coating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In two separate bowls, place granulated sugar in one and powdered sugar in the other.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Roll each ball first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 3: Baking the Cookies
- Place the coated dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies puff up and develop beautiful crinkles.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
History of Crinkle Cookies
Crinkle cookies originated as a twist on classic chocolate cookies, gaining popularity for their unique crackled appearance. The technique of rolling cookies in powdered sugar before baking allows the dough to expand and “crack,” giving them their signature look. Over time, bakers have created different versions, including holiday-themed varieties like Valentine’s Crinkle Cookies, which are red or pink and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Perfect Formations for Lovers
If you’re making these cookies as a romantic treat, you can shape them into hearts before baking! Here’s how:
Flatten each dough ball slightly and pinch the bottom to form a heart shape.
Use a knife or your fingers to gently indent the top center for a more defined heart shape.
For extra romance, you can:
Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies.
Add heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter.
Serve them with strawberries and a cup of hot cocoa.
Conclusion
Valentine Crinkle Cookies are the perfect way to express love through baking. With their soft texture, chocolatey richness, and beautiful crinkled appearance, they make for a delicious and heartfelt gift. Whether you’re baking them for your partner, best friend, or family, these cookies will bring joy and sweetness to your Valentine’s celebration.
So put on your apron, grab your ingredients, and make a batch of these delightful treats to share with someone special!