We are introduced, at an early age, to the sweet wondernous of a cookie. From teething cookies to soothe the swollen aching gums of incoming incisors, onto animal crackers purchased in rectangular-shaped boxes bearing a string handle for easy toting by little fingers. Deciding which part of the animal should be eaten first-the trunk of the elephant or the tail of a lion-depended on how hungry one was. Savor each and every one or simply gobble them down as fast as possible.

My next cookie memory would be the ever famous, possibly all-time favorite, the chocolate chip cookie. There is nothing better than to bite into a round circle of baked dough sprinkled with gooey melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. A chocolate chip cookie can dry tears, heal broken hearts, mend scraped knees and elbows and solve sibling arguments. Most of the problems in the world could likely be solved by a properly baked, right out of the oven, chocolate chip cookie. The power of a cookie is underestimated.

I will attempt in the next 365 days to prepare and comment on a year’s worth of different cookies-one for each day. My goal is to share with others my extreme love of cookies-baking them and especially eating them! Feel free to send me your favorite recipe, your earliest cookie memories, or how cookies may have influenced your life. Cookies Rule!


Saturday, January 9, 2010

Cookie Recipe #7 - Chocolate Crinkle Cookies


In the 14th century, travel became widespread globally and cookies were a natural travel companion. The "jumble" became one of the most popular cookies. It traveled well because of it being a hard cookie made of mostly nuts, sweetner and water. The jumble became known on every continent by similar names.

In the early 1600's, cookies came to America. The name "koekje" arrived with the Dutch and became Anglicized to "cookie" or "cooky". (http://www.ochef.com/25.htm Ochef.com).

Today's cookie is called the Chocolate Crinkle Cookie. It's chewy chocolate cookie rolled in powdered sugar before baking. It has a pretty appearance and tastes almost like a brownie. It needs to be mixed up the night before or early in the day because of the 6 hour refrigerator time.

Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4cup vegetable oil, 3/4-1 cup cocoa, 4 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 2 1/3 cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put 1/2 cup powdered sugar in small bowl (use more if needed)and set aside. In large mixing bowl, combine sugar and oil; mix well. Add sifted cocoa and blend. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift in flour, baking powder and salt. After completely mixed, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight (then dream about how good they will taste tomorrow!).

Using a metal tablespoon and floured fingers, make 1-1 1/2" rolls then toss in bowl of powdered sugar. When competely coated place on ungreased baking sheets, 2 1/2 inches apart. If desired, you may lightly press down on each cookie to assist the spreading of the cookie. Bake in 350 degree oven approximately 10 minutes. Cookies should be crackled on the top, yet soft to the touch in the middle. Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheet a minute or two, the transfer to cooling racks.

This recipe makes 4-4 1/2 dozen chocoliscious cookies!

Cookies Rule!!!

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