Irresistible Cinnamon Chip Chocolate Crackle Cookies: An Easy & Delicious Recipe

There’s a special joy that comes from baking, especially when you can whip up something truly delicious using just a few pantry staples. Recently, after a wonderful trip filled with exploring new places like the vibrant Chelsea Market and indulging in fantastic restaurant experiences, I found myself back home with a craving for something sweet and comforting, yet with limited ingredients on hand. This is where my trusty recipe for Chocolate Crackle Cookies always comes to the rescue! It’s a classic for a reason – simple, satisfying, and consistently delightful. In fact, it’s so beloved that it’s one of C&H Sugar’s most requested recipes.

While the traditional Chocolate Crackle Cookie is phenomenal on its own, I’m a firm believer in adding a personal touch to elevate a classic. On this particular morning, I had a bag of Hershey’s cinnamon chips tucked away in the pantry. A spark ignited: what if I swapped the usual walnuts for these aromatic cinnamon chips? The result was nothing short of a revelation! The warm spice of cinnamon perfectly complemented the rich chocolate, creating a flavor profile that was both familiar and excitingly new. This unexpected twist transformed a beloved cookie into something even more special, and I knew instantly that this was a variation I’d be making again and again. For those who adore the combination of chocolate and cinnamon, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Below, you’ll find the adaptable C&H recipe, presented with my favorite cinnamon chip twist.

Cinnamon Chip Chocolate Crackle Cookie Recipe

Cinnamon Chip Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Cookie Madness

A very good recipe for classic chocolate crackle cookies, elevated with the delightful inclusion of Hershey’s Cinnamon Chips. For a more traditional cookie experience, feel free to substitute with regular semisweet or dark chocolate chips.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 36

Ingredients

2 oz unsweetened chocolate melted and cooled slightly
¼ cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature for best results)
1 tsp. vanilla extract (pure vanilla for superior flavor)
1 cup all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt works wonderfully)
⅓ cup Hershey’s cinnamon chips (or your favorite brand of cinnamon chips. Alternatively, use semisweet chocolate chips for a classic version, or chopped walnuts for a different twist.)
powdered sugar for rolling the cookie dough balls

Instructions

Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is thoroughly blended and smooth. Ensure there are no sugar lumps. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Chill: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring on low speed with the electric mixer or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Fold in the cinnamon chips until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm enough to easily roll into balls. This chilling step is crucial for the texture and crackle effect.
Preheat Oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a non-stick cookie sheet, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Shape and Coat the Cookies: Once the dough is firm, scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls of dough, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Roll each portion thoroughly in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick and even coating. This generous coating of powdered sugar is what creates the beautiful crackled appearance during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies will puff up and then flatten slightly, developing their characteristic crackles. The centers should still be soft and slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool. Do not overbake!
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe yields approximately 3 dozen delightful cookies.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The Magic Behind the Crackle

Chocolate crackle cookies are named for their distinctive appearance: a rich, dark chocolate interior peeking through a web of sugary cracks. This unique look isn’t just for show; it’s a testament to the science of baking. The powdered sugar coating acts as a barrier, preventing the cookie’s surface from drying out and setting too quickly. As the cookie dough expands in the oven, the inner dough pushes against the rigid sugar shell, causing it to “crackle” and split, revealing the dark chocolate beneath. This creates a beautiful contrast and an interesting texture that sets crackle cookies apart from other chocolate varieties. The chilling step is also crucial here, as it helps the dough hold its shape and allows for a more pronounced crackle.

Why Cinnamon Chips? A Flavor Revelation

While traditional crackle cookies often feature chocolate chips or nuts, the addition of cinnamon chips introduces a captivating layer of flavor. Cinnamon and chocolate are a pairing as old as time, rooted in ancient culinary traditions. The warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon beautifully enhances the deep, slightly bitter notes of unsweetened chocolate, creating a more complex and inviting taste experience. Hershey’s cinnamon chips, in particular, offer a sweet and spicy burst that melts delightfully, spreading warmth throughout each bite. It’s a simple substitution that yields a surprisingly sophisticated and utterly delicious result, perfect for those who enjoy a hint of spice in their sweets.

Tips for Cookie Baking Success

Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform dough.
Measure Flour Correctly: For consistent results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Don’t pack it down or scoop directly from the bag, which can lead to too much flour.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
Chill Dough Thoroughly: The chilling step is essential. It firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and roll, and it also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring that signature crackle.
Generous Powdered Sugar Coating: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! A thick, even coating is key to achieving those beautiful cracks. Roll each ball until it’s completely covered.
Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should look set around the edges but still appear soft in the center when removed.

Variations and Customizations for Your Crackle Cookies

This cinnamon chip chocolate crackle cookie recipe is fantastic as is, but it also provides a wonderful base for experimentation. Feel free to unleash your creativity in the kitchen!

Nutty Crunch: For added texture, incorporate ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cinnamon chips. This brings a classic pairing with chocolate and a satisfying crunch.
Double Chocolate Delight: If cinnamon isn’t your preference, simply replace the cinnamon chips with an equal amount of semisweet, milk, or even white chocolate chips for a rich, varied chocolate experience.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or tangerine zest to the wet ingredients for a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the deep chocolate flavor. Citrus and chocolate are a match made in heaven!
Spice It Up: Enhance the warmth by adding an extra ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients, especially if you love a strong spice flavor.
Minty Fresh: For a festive twist, swap the cinnamon chips for Andes mint chips or chopped peppermint patties, perfect for holiday baking.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once completely cooled, these Cinnamon Chip Chocolate Crackle Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

These cookies are perfect with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. They make an excellent addition to any dessert platter, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a delightful treat for an afternoon pick-me-up. Their striking appearance and irresistible flavor will surely make them a favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil?: While some crackle cookie recipes use butter, vegetable oil contributes to a chewier texture. If you choose to use butter, ensure it’s melted and cooled, and be aware the texture might be slightly different.
Why didn’t my cookies crackle?: The most common reasons for a lack of crackle are not chilling the dough long enough, not rolling the dough generously enough in powdered sugar, or overmixing the dough. Ensure these steps are followed carefully!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?: Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You might need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling.