Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Christmas Cookies Recipe with Unsweetened Chocolate and Vanilla

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

The Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth, joy, and the sweet aroma of chocolate to the holiday season. These cookies, with their rich chocolate flavor and soft, chewy texture, are a favorite among both children and adults. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

History

The tradition of baking cookies for Christmas has roots that go back centuries, with each culture adding its own unique flavors and ingredients. Chocolate, however, became a popular addition to Christmas cookies in the early 20th century, as it became more widely available. The Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies recipe is a modern take on these historical traditions, combining the rich taste of chocolate with the simple joy of homemade cookies.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of vegetable oil
4 oz (113 g) of unsweetened chocolate
2 cups of sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp of vanilla
0.5 tsp of kosher salt
2 cups of flour
2 tsp of baking powder
1 cup of powdered sugar

How to prepare

Mix oil, chocolate, and sugar.
Blend in 1 egg at a time until well mixed; add vanilla.
Stir in salt, flour, and baking powder.
Chill several hours or overnight.

To bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Place powdered sugar on a plate.
Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto powdered sugar, roll them around in it, and shape them into balls.
Place the balls about 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets and bake for 10 – 12 minutes.
Cool cookies on racks before storing them.

Variations

Consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the dough to enhance the chocolate flavor, or mix in a half cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies come out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use high-quality unsweetened chocolate for a deep, rich chocolate flavor.

- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to ensure they blend smoothly into the batter.

- Chill the dough thoroughly to make handling easier and to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

- Roll the dough balls generously in powdered sugar to achieve the classic crinkled appearance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate for a classic holiday treat. They also make a beautiful addition to any Christmas cookie platter or gift box.

Cooking Techniques

For an even bake, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that each cookie is perfectly cooked and has a uniform texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate and substitute the vegetable oil with coconut oil. To make them gluten-free, replace the flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling in powdered sugar and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the cookies with extra powdered sugar just before serving for a festive, snow-covered look. Or, drizzle them with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a holiday twist.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair these cookies with a robust red wine, such as a Zinfandel or Shiraz, to complement the rich chocolate flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, a dark roast coffee or espresso makes a delightful match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies, which is typically one cookie, contains approximately 150 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates and fats.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe is sugar, which provides the cookies with their sweet flavor.

Fats

These cookies contain about 7 grams of fat per serving, with the majority coming from vegetable oil and unsweetened chocolate. Using vegetable oil makes these cookies softer and adds to their moist texture.

Proteins

Each cookie offers around 2 grams of protein, primarily from the eggs and flour used in the recipe. While not a significant source of protein, it contributes to the overall nutritional profile of the cookies.

Vitamins and minerals

The Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies provide small amounts of iron and calcium, primarily from the flour and chocolate. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy bones and blood.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (gluten), and may contain traces of nuts depending on the chocolate used. It's important to consider these allergens if serving to guests with food sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that, when enjoyed in moderation, can fit into a balanced diet. They provide a source of carbohydrates, fats, and a small amount of protein, along with some vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies recipe is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With its rich chocolate flavor, soft texture, and festive appearance, it's sure to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at holiday baking for the first time, this recipe is straightforward, versatile, and delicious. Enjoy the process of baking, sharing, and savoring these wonderful cookies during the holiday season.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning my way around the kitchen. Christmas was always a special time in our household, with the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the air and the sound of carols playing in the background.

I had always been fascinated by the magic of baking, how a few simple ingredients could come together to create something delicious and comforting. My grandmother was a master in the kitchen, and I would often watch her work her culinary magic with awe and admiration. She had a knack for creating the most mouthwatering treats, each one bursting with flavor and love.

One year, as Christmas approached, I asked my grandmother if I could help her bake the cookies for our annual holiday gathering. She smiled warmly and agreed, taking me under her wing and showing me the ropes. I watched intently as she measured out the ingredients, mixing them together with precision and care. The kitchen was filled with the rich scent of chocolate and the sweet aroma of vanilla, making my mouth water with anticipation.

As she scooped out the dough onto the baking sheets, I couldn't help but ask her how she had learned to make such delicious cookies. She chuckled softly, a twinkle in her eye, and began to tell me the story of how she had acquired the recipe for these Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies.

"It all started many years ago, when I was just a young girl like you," she began, her voice soft and nostalgic. "I had a neighbor who was an amazing baker, and she would often share her recipes with me. One day, she gave me this recipe for chocolate cookies, telling me that it was a family secret passed down through the generations."

My grandmother went on to explain how she had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly her own. She had experimented with different types of chocolate, adjusted the amount of sugar and flour, and even added a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a little extra flavor. The end result was a cookie that was rich and decadent, with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.

As she finished telling me the story, my grandmother handed me a spoonful of the cookie dough to taste. The chocolate melted on my tongue, sending shivers of delight down my spine. I knew then that I had to learn how to make these cookies for myself, to carry on the tradition and share them with my own loved ones.

And so, that Christmas, I stood by my grandmother's side, helping her bake batch after batch of those delicious chocolate cookies. I watched as she carefully placed them on the cooling rack, their glossy surfaces gleaming in the soft light of the kitchen. The cookies were a hit at our holiday gathering, disappearing within minutes as everyone clamored for more.

From that day on, the recipe for Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies became a staple in our family. I would make them every year without fail, passing on the tradition to my own children and grandchildren. Each time I baked those cookies, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and the generations of bakers who had come before me.

As I stand in my kitchen now, mixing together the familiar ingredients for those beloved cookies, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The scent of chocolate and vanilla fills the air, bringing me back to that moment of discovery all those years ago. And as I take the first bite of a warm, freshly baked cookie, I am reminded once again of the magic and love that goes into every batch.