Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies _ Vaughn Vreeland _ NYT Cooking
**The Ultimate Soft Crinkle Cookie Recipe: A Delicious Holiday Treat**
When it comes to baking during the holiday season, there's nothing quite like creating a delicious and indulgent treat that's sure to impress your loved ones. Today, we're going to share with you our favorite recipe for soft crinkle cookies that are perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat.
**Getting Started: A Cookie Conundrum**
One of the best things about baking is experimenting and finding new flavors and techniques. However, it's also one of the most frustrating - especially when it comes to achieving the perfect texture in your cookies. The great thing about our recipe for soft crinkle cookies is that they're incredibly forgiving. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to delight. So, what makes them so special? For starters, we use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch to create a tender and delicate texture.
**The Power of Marshmallows**
One of the most exciting things about our recipe is the addition of mini marshmallows. These little treats add a burst of sweetness and fun to each cookie, making them perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family. But how do you get those pesky marshmallows to retain their structure while baking? The answer lies in freezing them before adding them to the dough. By chilling the marshmallows in the freezer, we're able to maintain their texture and create a cookie that's full of gooey, molten goodness.
**A Fun Twist: Bacon**
Now, you might be thinking - what does bacon have to do with soft crinkle cookies? The answer is more than just a sweet and savory combination. When it comes to achieving that perfect balance of flavors in our cookies, we need a little bit of umami to bring everything together. That's where the magic happens when we add some crispy bacon bits to the dough. It's a game-changer, trust us.
**The Fun Part: Rolling Out the Dough**
Once your dough is mixed and chilled, it's time to start rolling out the fun part. Take about half of the dough and flatten it slightly - don't worry if it gets a bit messy! Then, take your mini marshmallows and place them inside each cookie, leaving a small border around the edges. Wrap the dough around the marshmallow, making sure to seal it tightly. Finally, roll the cookie in granulated sugar to give it that perfect crinkly exterior.
**Baking Like a Pro**
Now that you've got your cookies rolled out and ready to go, it's time to pop them into the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. While the cookies are baking, take this opportunity to get creative with your presentation. Whether you're using a cookie sheet, parchment paper, or even a piece of string to create a beautiful design on top, the possibilities are endless.
**Finishing Touches: The Grand Finale**
Once your cookies have cooled slightly, it's time for the final flourish. Use a spatula or offset spatula to gently shape each cookie into its perfect circle shape. If needed, use a little bit of powdered sugar to smooth out any bumps or imperfections. And voila! Your soft crinkle cookies are now ready to be devoured.
**Tips and Tricks from Our Kitchen**
As with any recipe, there are always a few tricks up our sleeve that make all the difference. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when baking these amazing cookies:
* Make sure to chill your dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out.
* If you find that your cookies are not browning evenly, try adjusting the oven temperature or adding a pinch of salt to the dough.
* Experiment with different flavors by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even espresso powder to the dough.
**The Verdict: A Delicious Holiday Treat**
So, what do we think? Are these soft crinkle cookies the perfect treat for your holiday gatherings? We certainly think so! With their tender texture, gooey marshmallows, and sweet crunch, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. And don't worry if they're not perfect - after all, it's the imperfections that make them truly special.
**Get Baking: Share Your Soft Crinkle Cookies with Love**
There's nothing quite like sharing a delicious homemade treat with loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you're making these soft crinkle cookies for your family gathering or as a gift for friends and neighbors, remember to share the love. Take that extra time to package them beautifully, write a heartfelt note, and get ready for the smiles and compliments that are sure to follow.
**Recipe at a Glance: Soft Crinkle Cookies with Marshmallows**
Ingredients:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup cornstarch
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Mini marshmallows (about 20-25)
* Granulated sugar (for rolling)
**Instructions:**
1. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours.
2. Roll out the dough and place mini marshmallows inside each cookie.
3. Wrap the dough around the marshmallow, making sure to seal tightly.
4. Roll the cookies in granulated sugar to create a crinkly exterior.
5. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Happy baking!