Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars: 7 Magical Holiday Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Rich, fudgy, and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a magical bite that everyone will love. Easy to make and perfect for sharing at festive gatherings.

A close-up view of rich, dark brown brownies stacked on a white plate, showing two layers: a shiny, cracked top layer dusted with powdered sugar, and a thick, moist, and dense bottom layer that looks fudgy and soft with a slightly uneven texture. The powdered sugar is sprinkled evenly, adding a light contrast to the dark chocolate color. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the cocoa powder and granulated sugar together until combined.
  3. Step 3: Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cocoa mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well blended.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into a greased baking pan.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely, then dust generously with powdered sugar before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the vegetable oil with melted butter.
  • Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
  • Use a mix of cocoa powder and instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
  • Line your pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Two thick, square-shaped chocolate brownies stacked on a white marbled surface, each with a dark, moist, and dense texture showing inside. The top brownie sits slightly askew over the bottom one, revealing a shiny, cracked top layer with a thin, crispy crust. Both brownies are lightly dusted with powdered sugar, adding a soft white contrast to the deep brown color. In the background, blurred out, are more brownies and hints of a warm indoor setting with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Print
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Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars: 7 Magical Holiday Bites Recipe


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x

Description

These Christmas Cocoa Crinkle Bars are rich, fudgy, and perfectly chocolaty holiday treats that come together easily. With a soft, chewy texture and a festive powdered sugar dusting, they make a magical addition to your holiday dessert table. Ideal for sharing at parties or gifting, these bars combine classic chocolate flavors with a delightful crinkle effect.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Finishing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the bars evenly.
  2. Mix cocoa and sugar: In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder and granulated sugar, blending them well to create a uniform base for your batter.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cocoa mixture. Stir the ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps and distribute the leavening agent evenly.
  5. Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet cocoa mix, stirring carefully to ensure the batter is smooth and fully integrated without overmixing.
  6. Prepare baking pan and spread batter: Grease a baking pan evenly with oil or butter, then pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
  7. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are done.
  8. Cool and dust: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, generously dust the top with powdered sugar to create the signature crinkle effect and add a festive touch.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and fudgy.
  • Use a metal or glass baking pan about 9×13 inches in size for optimal thickness and even baking.
  • Powdered sugar dusting adds a festive snowy look but can be adjusted or omitted as desired.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas dessert, cocoa bars, holiday treats, chocolate crinkle, festive baking, easy holiday bars, cocoa crinkle bars, Christmas baking recipe

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