Cocoa Delights: Simple Christmas Cookie Recipes (and Beyond!)

Cocoa, that magical powder, is a beloved ingredient that adds a rich, chocolatey depth to countless treats.

And when it comes to Christmas cookies, cocoa truly shines!

Whether you’re short on time or simply prefer no-bake options, we’ve got you covered with these simple and delicious recipes.

These easy-to-follow recipes are sure to satisfy your cocoa cravings any time of year. So go ahead and bake up a batch of these delightful treats – your taste buds will thank you!

No-bake cocoa cookies with oatmeal and peanut butter

Indulge in these chewy, no-bake cookies perfect for busy holidays or baking with kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 and ½ cups of sugar
• ½ cup of milk
• 8 tablespoons of butter
• ¼ cup cocoa
• 3 cups of fine oatmeal
• 1 cup of peanut butter
• pinch of salt

Method:

• In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, butter, salt, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the oats and peanut butter until well combined.
• Drop by rounded tablespoons onto parchment paper. Let cool and harden in the refrigerator.

Simple Cocoa Cookies with Coconut

These fudgy, coconut-kissed brownies are a delightful twist on classic chocolate cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Method:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, coconut, and cocoa powder.
• Add the softened butter and eggs, and mix until a dough forms.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutters.
• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 4-7 minutes, or until the edges are set.
• Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Also, take a look at the video recipe with a description of the preparation of cocoa cookies with coconut:

Chocolate Coconut Cookies - čokoladové kokosky (шоколадное кокосовое печенье).

Linzer Dough Cocoa Cookies

Linzer cookies, with their iconic cutout designs and melt-in-your-mouth texture, are a beloved holiday tradition. But when you add the richness of cocoa to the dough, these cookies are elevated to a whole new level of indulgence.

They’re sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions for years to come.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup of softened butter
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 egg
• vanilla essence
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Method:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
• Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the eggs and mix until a dough forms.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 340°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Additional tips & improvements:

• Specifying “cold” butter ensures the dough will be flaky.
• Mentioning parchment paper helps prevent sticking.
• Including the visual cue of “lightly golden edges” helps bakers gauge doneness.
• Letting cookies cool on the sheet briefly prevents them from breaking.

Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These decadent cookies, akin to beloved American favorites, boast a soft, chewy texture and generous chunks of chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (2 1/2 sticks) softened butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or additional all-purpose flour)
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups chopped chocolate or chocolate chunks

Method:

• Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined
• Fold in the chopped chocolate.
• Drop by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 9 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
• Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Crinkle-Top Cocoa Cookies

These festive cookies with their signature crackled tops and dusting of powdered sugar are sure to delight..

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• vanilla sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• pinch of salt
• ¼ cup powdered sugar, for coating

Method:

• Whisk together the sugar, eggs, and oil until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Preheat oven to 347°F.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
• Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat completely.
• Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and crackled on top.
• Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Endless Cocoa Creations

The possibilities with cocoa cookies are truly endless! Explore different flavor combinations by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, spices, or even a touch of espresso powder.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these simple cocoa cookie recipes are a delicious way to embrace the holiday spirit.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet aroma of cocoa fill your kitchen with festive cheer!