Name: Brownie Christmas Cringles Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups white sugar; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 eggs; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting

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These Brownie Christmas Cringles Cookies are a perfect holiday treat, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the fun, festive appeal of cookies. They’re easy to make and bursting with flavor, thanks to the chocolatey cocoa base and the crunch of chopped walnuts. After baking, the cookies are dusted with powdered sugar to add a snowy, holiday touch that makes them even more festive.

The result is a soft, chewy cookie with the deep chocolate flavor of brownies, a slight crunch from the walnuts, and a delicate, sweet dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies will definitely be a hit at your holiday gatherings or as a special treat to enjoy with your family.

Why You’ll Love These Brownie Christmas Cringles Cookies

1. Rich, Chocolatey Flavor

The cocoa powder and sugar create a brownie-like base that is rich and indulgent—perfect for chocolate lovers.

2. Crispy Edges, Soft Centers

These cookies strike the perfect balance with crispy edges and a soft, chewy center, just like a brownie but in cookie form!

3. Perfect for the Holidays

The powdered sugar dusting adds a lovely snowy touch, making these cookies ideal for Christmas and holiday celebrations.

4. Quick and Easy to Make

These cookies are simple to prepare, requiring just 25 minutes in total. A perfect treat when you’re short on time but still want to bake something special!

5. Great for Gift Giving

These cookies are easy to package up and make excellent homemade gifts for friends, family, or neighbors.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: For a rich, smooth cookie dough.
White Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the dough.
Cocoa Powder: For that deep chocolate flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and the overall taste of the cookie.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and creates a chewy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a perfect texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Chopped Walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch to the cookies and a bit of nutty flavor.
Confectioners’ Sugar: For dusting the cookies with a beautiful snowy finish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookies.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, white sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Fold in Walnuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Drop the cookie dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Make sure to space them a couple of inches apart, as they will spread a little during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. The edges should be slightly crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Dust

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Make Sure to Let the Cookies Cool: These cookies will be soft when they first come out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
Customize with Other Nuts: If you prefer a different nut, feel free to swap out the walnuts for chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Adjust the Baking Time: If you like your cookies a little chewier, bake for closer to 8 minutes. For a slightly crispier edge, bake for 10 minutes.
Add a Dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: To make these cookies even more festive, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

How to Serve

These Brownie Christmas Cringles Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them as a sweet treat after a festive meal, or package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family. They’re also great to serve alongside a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storing Leftovers

Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for several days.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, though they may become firmer.

Freezing the Dough or Cookies

Frozen Cookie Dough: To prepare ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a cookie sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Frozen Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies for later. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I skip the walnuts?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, you can omit them entirely or substitute with a different nut or chocolate chips.

2. Can I make these cookies without powdered sugar?

Yes, you can skip the powdered sugar dusting if you prefer. They will still taste delicious!

3. How can I make these cookies more festive?

Consider adding holiday sprinkles on top before baking or using colorful powdered sugar (mix in a bit of green or red food coloring with the powdered sugar) for a holiday twist.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used in place of butter, the texture and flavor might slightly differ. For the best taste and texture, unsalted butter is recommended.

5. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes! Both the dough and baked cookies freeze very well. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to preserve freshness.

Conclusion

Brownie Christmas Cringles Cookies are a delicious, easy-to-make holiday treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. With a fudgy, brownie-like base and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, these cookies bring all the joy of Christmas baking with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or sharing them as gifts, they’re sure to spread holiday cheer with every bite.