Introduction
The holiday season calls for delightful treats that evoke nostalgia and brighten the festivities, and Christmas Crack Cookies are the quintessential dessert that embodies this spirit. These cookies are not only visually appealing with a festive splash of color from crushed peppermint but also incredibly delicious. Their unique combination of flavors, including the rich taste of semisweet chocolate and the warm notes of vanilla, intertwined with the vibrant crunch of peppermint candy makes them an irresistible holiday treat.
Perfect for sharing at parties, holiday gatherings, or just as a sweet family treat during the chilly season, Christmas Crack Cookies are easy to make and bring a smile to everyone’s face. The balance of chewy oats and smooth chocolate creates a texture that’s both comforting and satisfying. These cookies are a celebration of flavors and a festive addition to any dessert table.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Yield/Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
Ingredients
– Butter and Sweeteners
– 1 cup unsalted butter (equivalent to 2 sticks), softened
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– Flavor Enhancers
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Festive Toppings
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and fine sea salt until evenly combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using), making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but that’s perfectly fine!
9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies generously over the warm cookies. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, which will allow the chocolate to melt just enough.
10. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, the peppermint topping will harden, creating a delightful finish.
Equipment Needed
To successfully bake Christmas Crack Cookies, there are several essential kitchen tools you’ll need:
– Mixing Bowls
– A large mixing bowl for combining the wet ingredients and a separate bowl for whisking together the dry ingredients will be crucial in keeping the batter well-organized and properly mixed.
– Utensils
– An electric mixer is ideal for creaming the butter and brown sugar to get that light and fluffy texture.
– A whisk is needed for blending the dry ingredients evenly for a consistent cookie texture.
– A tablespoon is essential for portioning out the dough accurately onto the baking sheet.
– Baking Tools
– A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is vital for preventing the cookies from sticking and ensuring they bake evenly.
– A wire rack is needed to cool the cookies properly after baking so that they maintain their delightful texture and firmness.
Preparing to Bake
Getting everything ready before you start baking makes the process smoother and more enjoyable:
– Oven Preheating
– It is important to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) as this ensures that the cookies bake evenly. Preheating the oven properly can significantly affect the final texture and consistency of your cookies.
– Baking Sheet Preparation
– Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, which not only helps in easy cookie removal but also contributes to a more uniform baking surface. This step is essential to prevent sticking and ensures that the cookies retain their shape.
By thoughtfully preparing your baking environment and utilizing the right tools, you’ll set yourself up for success in creating delightful Christmas Crack Cookies that will bring joy and festivity to all who taste them.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Mixing Flour and Oats
To start with, the combination of all-purpose flour and rolled oats is crucial for the structure and texture of the cookies. The flour provides the necessary gluten to hold the cookies together, while the rolled oats contribute a wholesome chewiness and nutty flavor. It’s important that the oats are rolled oats rather than quick oats, as rolled oats retain their texture better and provide a hearty bite.
Integrating Dry with Wet
When integrating the dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, it’s essential to do this step gradually. Start by adding about a third of the dry ingredients and gently fold them into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Repeat this process until all the dry ingredients have been incorporated. Take care not to overmix the dough, as overstirring can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookies rather than the desired tender and soft texture.
Adding the Mix-ins
Folding in Chocolate and Nuts
The final touch before baking involves folding in the semisweet chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This is where the cookies get their signature flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate offers a rich sweetness that balances out the cookies, while nuts add extra crunch and depth. Ensure that the mix-ins are evenly distributed without overmixing the dough, which helps maintain the proper texture of each cookie.
Portioning the Cookies
Scooping Dough
To achieve uniform cookies, use a tablespoon to carefully scoop out the dough. This ensures that each cookie is of similar size, which promotes even baking. Place the scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet with enough spacing to allow for spreading during the baking process.
Spacing
Ensuring adequate spacing is crucial; leave about 2 inches between each scoop of dough. This gap allows the cookies room to expand while baking, preventing them from merging into one another.
Baking the Cookies
Baking Time
Once the dough is portioned out on the baking sheet, it’s time to place the sheet in the preheated oven. The cookies should bake for 10-12 minutes. During this time, keep an eye on them, as each oven can vary slightly in temperature.
Checking for Doneness
Look for cookies with golden brown edges and slightly underbaked centers. This contrast is intentional, as it results in a chewy centre that maintains moisture. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat, so it’s better to pull them out while they still appear wet in the middle.
Adding the Finishing Touch
Sprinkling Peppermint
The peppermint candies should be sprinkled generously over the warm cookies immediately after removing them from the oven. The heat from the cookies will gently melt the chocolate chips slightly while allowing the crushed peppermint to stick perfectly. This not only enhances the flavor but adds a beautiful aesthetic as well.
Resting Time
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. During this time, the peppermint toppings will set, balancing the warm, melty chocolate with a crunchy layer. After the resting period, cookies can be transferred to a cooling rack.
Cooling and Storage
Transferring Cookies
To cool the cookies after they have rested, carefully transfer them to a wire rack using a spatula. This process allows air to circulate around them, helping to firm them up without becoming soggy from residual steam.
Cooling Process
Cooling is an essential step; it solidifies the topping and gives the cookies a perfect texture. The peppermint topping will harden slightly, creating a delightful contrast against the chewy cookie and melted chocolate underneath.
Presentation Tips
Festive Arrangements
For an attractive presentation, consider arranging the cooled cookies on a festive holiday-themed platter. This not only enhances their appearance but also sets the stage for a delightful holiday treat to impress your guests.
Optional Garnish
For an extra touch of festivity, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candy. This garnish with white chocolate adds a sweet contrast to the rich chocolate chips and festive peppermint, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
Recommended Serving Size
Generally, one cookie per serving is appropriate, though many may find themselves reaching for a second due to the irresistible taste. These cookies are ideal for parties and gatherings, bringing cheer to your holiday celebrations.
Pairing Suggestions
Consider pairing these cookies with your favorite holiday beverages such as hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a warm cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the cookies complement these beverages beautifully, enhancing the overall festive experience.
Conclusion
Christmas Crack Cookies are a delightful balance of chewy textures, rich chocolate, and refreshing peppermint flavors, making them a wonderful treat during the holiday season. With a total preparation and baking time of just 30 minutes, they can quickly become a beloved staple on your holiday cookie platter, offering seasonal joy and warmth in every bite.
Christmas Crack Cookies Recipe: Easy and Festive Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the warm cookies immediately after baking.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.