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

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the bars evenly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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