If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s as rich and comforting as a warm hug, you have to try this Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe. What makes these cookies stand out for me is the unique blend of Mexican chocolate and cinnamon — it creates this deep, slightly spicy chocolate flavor that’s utterly addictive. I love how they’re crisp on the outside, soft and slightly fudgy on the inside, making each bite a little celebration.
This recipe works wonders whenever you want something cozy but a little extra special for your coffee breaks or holiday cookie trays. When I first tried this Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe, I was surprised at how simple it was to whip up with just a handful of everyday ingredients and a touch of Mexican chocolate magic. Honestly, once you make these, you’ll find that they’re quickly becoming a staple in your cookie rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Twist: The combination of Mexican chocolate and cinnamon creates a rich, warm chocolate flavor you won’t find in traditional cookies.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need, making it an easy recipe to try anytime the craving hits.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp on the edges yet soft and fudgy inside, these cookies hit the perfect balance of chewiness every time.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weekend or a festive gathering, these cookies impress without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here work beautifully to highlight the chocolate’s richness while keeping a lovely balance with cinnamon’s warmth. Plus, with just a few pantry staples, you can whip these up in no time. When shopping, be sure to seek out authentic Mexican chocolate—it really elevates the cookie’s flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for your cookies; provides structure without heaviness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature Mexican-inspired warm spice.
- Unsweetened cocoa: Deepens the chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Mexican chocolate (grated): Key ingredient for an authentic, slightly spicy chocolate taste—look for brands like Abuelita or Ibarra.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Canola oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender without a heavy butter flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and adds a slight crisp.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and gives richness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic layer to deepen the flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling the cookies—it helps create their classic crinkled look.
Variations
I often tweak this Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe depending on the occasion—it makes it more fun and personal that way. I encourage you to play with the extras too and make it your own masterpiece.
- Add chopped nuts: I love stirring in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a nutty contrast to the fudgy cookies.
- Spice it up more: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder if you want a bolder kick—that smoky warmth is fantastic.
- For a cakier texture: Simply bake the cookies a couple of minutes longer for a softer, cake-like interior.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep an eye on the dough’s consistency—it might need a bit more flour to hold shape.
How to Make Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix your dry ingredients with care
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, grated Mexican chocolate, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. This step is crucial because you want everything evenly distributed to get that perfect chocolatey and spicy flavor in every bite. I always take my time here—no rushing—and it really makes a difference.
Step 2: Combine wet ingredients until smooth and inviting
In a separate bowl or your stand mixer, mix the canola oil and granulated sugar until combined. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture looks homogeneous and creamy. When I first tried this recipe, I hurried through this part and noticed the texture wasn’t quite right, so don’t skimp on this step—it’s where the magic starts.
Step 3: Bring it all together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix, or the cookies might turn out tough instead of tender. The dough will be slightly sticky—that’s perfect! I discovered that letting the dough chill in the fridge for at least an hour really helps with handling and keeping the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Step 4: Shape, coat, and bake with love
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Using a tablespoon, form the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls, then roll each one generously in powdered sugar. I always keep extra powdered sugar nearby because the first coat can absorb quickly. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to pull them out when the edges are just turning crisp but the centers still look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Pro Tips for Making Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Chill the Dough: I always chill the dough for at least an hour—it makes the cookies easier to handle and keeps them from spreading too thin in the oven.
- Generous Coating: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar coating; it’s essential for the signature crinkles and a beautiful contrast in texture.
- Watch the Bake Time: I recommend checking the cookies around 8 minutes to catch that perfect soft center—baking times can vary with ovens.
- Use Authentic Mexican Chocolate: This ingredient gives the cookies their signature flavor—substitutes don’t quite hit the mark.
How to Serve Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve these cookies, I like to keep it simple with just a light dusting of extra powdered sugar on top for that snowy, festive look that calls out for an afternoon cuppa. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few flakes of sea salt for a subtle kick—it’s an easy way to up the flavor and prettiness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of Mexican hot chocolate or café de olla for a cozy vibe. They’re also fantastic alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent or serving them as dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies in tiers with a scattering of holly or cinnamon sticks as decoration—it’s a showstopper and so easy to do. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane with a bright ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift your friends will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay perfect for up to a week. The edges hold their crispness while the centers remain chewy—a texture I always look forward to.
Freezing
This cookie dough freezes beautifully if you want to make it ahead of time. I like to portion the dough balls on a tray, freeze them solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop the frozen dough balls straight in the oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies after storage or freezing, I warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and melts the chocolate just right—far better than microwaving, which can dry them out.
FAQs
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Can I use regular chocolate instead of Mexican chocolate?
You can substitute regular unsweetened or bitter-sweet chocolate, but you’ll miss out on the unique spicy and cinnamon flavor that Mexican chocolate offers. To mimic this, you might add a pinch of cinnamon and a little chili powder, but the authentic taste is truly best.
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Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar coating creates the classic crinkled appearance as the cookies spread and bake. It also adds a light sweetness and contrasts the deep chocolate flavor, making every bite delightful.
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How can I make these cookies cakier?
Simply bake them 2 to 3 minutes longer than the recipe suggests. This extra bake time gives the cookies a softer, cakier interior while still preserving their outer crispness.
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Can I prepare the dough a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the dough rest overnight in the fridge can enhance the flavors and make shaping the cookies easier. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such an inviting, unique twist on classic chocolate cookies. Whenever I bake them, the warm, spicy aroma fills my kitchen and immediately feels like a mini celebration. I can’t recommend these enough if you want a treat that’s both familiar and a little adventurous—with results that always impress. Go ahead, give them a try and see how quickly they become your new favorite!
PrintMexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Mexican Chocolate Crinkle Cookies offer a delightful blend of rich cocoa and warm cinnamon with authentic Mexican chocolate, creating a soft yet slightly crisp cookie perfect for any chocolate lover. Rolled in powdered sugar for a classic crinkle effect, they combine festive appearance with a deliciously comforting texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 ounces Mexican chocolate, grated
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (more if needed, for coating cookies)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, grated Mexican chocolate, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or using a stand mixer, mix the canola oil and granulated sugar until they are well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the two large eggs and pure vanilla extract to the wet mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until all ingredients are well combined, forming a dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to firm up, which will make shaping easier and enhance the cookie texture.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and form it into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Pour powdered sugar onto a small plate and roll each dough ball thoroughly in the sugar until coated.
- Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies have slightly crisp edges but remain soft in the middle.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For cakier cookies with a softer interior, extend baking time by 2 to 3 minutes.
- Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this helps prevent spreading and gives the cookies their crinkled appearance.
- If Mexican chocolate is unavailable, substitute with a mix of bittersweet chocolate and a pinch of cinnamon for similar flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 87 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg