Description
Hello, friends! Olivia here. Can you smell that? It’s officially beginning to feel like Christmas—the crisp air, twinkling lights, and the irresistible aroma of cookies baking. Today, we’re making Cozy Christmas Cocoa Cookies: soft, cake-like, cocoa-kissed pillows of delight that melt in your mouth and warm your soul.
Ingredients
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⅓ cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
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2 large eggs, at room temperature
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⅓ tsp salt
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⅓ cup sunflower oil (or neutral oil like canola or vegetable)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract (or a pinch of vanillin)
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2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Tip: Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder for extra light, fluffy cookies.
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, salt, and oil until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Add Vanilla: Stir in vanilla extract for that warm, festive aroma.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and cocoa directly into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix!
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Shape Cookies: Scoop dough (~1.5 tbsp per cookie) and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and gently flatten slightly with your fingers or a glass bottom.
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Bake: 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Cookies continue to firm as they cool.
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Cool & Dust: Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive “snow” effect.
Notes
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Peppermint Twist: Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract and crushed candy canes on top.
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Orange Zest Delight: Add zest of one orange to the sugar for a citrusy cocoa combo.
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Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
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Spiced Cocoa Cookie: Add ½ tsp cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.