Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something magical about filling your kitchen with the smell of fresh chocolate treats, and that’s exactly what happens when I whip up my Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars. I remember the first time I made these bars—it was a chilly December evening, and I was trying to find a sweet treat that would warm up my family’s hearts. Trust me, these bars are the perfect answer! They’re rich, fudgy, and have that delightful crinkly top that makes them look oh-so-festive. Each bite is a burst of chocolatey goodness that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them solo with a cup of cocoa (because why not?), these bars are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bars bake evenly. No one wants undercooked or overcooked treats, right? So, let that oven warm up while you gather your ingredients!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar. Give it a good stir to mix them together. Then, pour in the vegetable oil, crack in those four large eggs, and add the two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Now, get in there with a whisk (or a sturdy spoon if you prefer) and mix until everything is smooth and glossy. You should be able to see the rich chocolate color starting to come together—yum!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help eliminate any lumps and ensure a nice, fluffy texture in your bars. Just give it a quick whisk to combine everything evenly.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently as you go. You want to mix just until you don’t see any more flour. Overmixing can make the texture a bit dense—nobody wants that! The batter should be thick and fudgy, perfect for those crinkly tops.
Bake the Bars
Spread the batter into a greased baking pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go!
Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is the hardest part, I know! But patience is key. After they’ve cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for that beautiful snowy finish. Now, slice them into squares, and you’re ready to enjoy your festive treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, always use high-quality cocoa powder—it really makes a difference in flavor, trust me! The richer the cocoa, the more decadent your bars will taste. Also, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately; baking is a science, after all. When it comes to storage, keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long, that is! And if you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn. Follow these tips, and you’ll have the best cocoa bars around!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars
When you indulge in these delightful Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per bar:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every chocolatey bite guilt-free during the festive season!
FAQ About Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars
How should I store my Cocoa Crinkle Bars?
You’ll want to keep these delicious bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
Can I substitute the cocoa powder?
Absolutely! If you have dark cocoa powder on hand, it can give your bars an even richer flavor. Just make sure it’s unsweetened, like the original recipe calls for.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture! A sprinkle of espresso powder can also enhance that chocolate flavor—yum!
Can I make these gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll be all set!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Great question! Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! Just be careful not to overbake them, or they can dry out.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars
- They’re super easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- The rich chocolate flavor is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- That crinkly top adds a festive touch, making them great for holiday gatherings.
- They’re wonderfully fudgy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- You can easily customize them with mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- These bars are perfect for gifting—wrap them up in a cute box for loved ones!
- They keep well, so you can make them ahead of time and still enjoy fresh treats.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars are delightful on their own, but let me tell you, pairing them with the right accompaniments can take them to a whole new level of deliciousness! Grab a tall glass of cold milk—nothing beats the classic combo of chocolate and dairy. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully. Or, if you’re in the mood for something warm, a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa is perfect for dunking! Imagine biting into a fudgy bar while sipping on a cozy drink—pure bliss!
For a festive touch, you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm bars and cold ice cream makes for a heavenly dessert experience. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top for that extra festive flair! Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about this delightful treat and asking for seconds!
Print
Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars: 7 Magical Holiday Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate bars with a crinkly top, perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cocoa powder and sugar.
- Add vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix well.
- Spread the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use high-quality cocoa for best flavor.
- Cut into squares for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars