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These Valentine’s Day Sprinkles Chocolate Crinkle Cookies bring a festive touch to any occasion with their rich chocolate flavor and colorful sprinkles. The soft texture and fudgy inside make them irresistible and easy to share, perfect for gifting or cozying up with a loved one.
I first baked these for a Valentine’s party and the cookies disappeared almost instantly. Now they are a seasonal must-have in my kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients
- One stick butter: softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- Half cup granulated sugar: for sweetness and structure in the dough
- Two tablespoons brown sugar: adds warmth and moisture
- One large egg yolk: binds the ingredients and enriches flavor
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances the overall taste
- One cup all-purpose flour: provides the cookie’s body; sift for best results
- Quarter cup Dutch processed cocoa powder: delivers a deep chocolate flavor
- Three quarter teaspoon baking soda: helps the cookies rise and become tender
- Quarter teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness
- One third cup Wilton nonpareil Valentine’s Day sprinkles: for that festive look and slight texture contrast; choose high quality for vibrant color and no artificial taste
How to Make It
- Scoop and prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream the sugars and butter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about three minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla:
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth. These ingredients contribute to richness and flavor depth.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution. Add this to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Over mixing can cause the cookies to be tough.
- Form the cookies:
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out fourteen equal dough balls. Roll each ball smoothly between your palms. Then gently press one side into the Valentine’s themed sprinkles and place the cookie sprinkle side up onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for ten minutes. They will be soft when you take them out — this is perfect for that chewy, fudgy texture.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. These taste especially delightful with a tall glass of cold milk.
My favorite part is rolling the dough in the Valentine’s sprinkles. It makes cookies look so joyful and sets a happy mood every time. I remember making these with my niece and how her eyes lit up when she got to press the dough into the colorful sprinkles.
Flavor Boosters
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them soft. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat. Try sandwiching two cookies with marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache for an elegant twist. They also make lovely homemade gifts packed in decorative tins or tied with ribbon.
Creative Twists
Chocolate crinkle cookies have been a holiday favorite in many American households dating back several decades. Their cracked powdered sugar finish is often linked to traditional Christmas baking. The added sprinkles here give a modern, Valentine’s Day-inspired update that’s fun and festive. In warmer months replace the Valentine’s sprinkles with pastel spring-colored ones or edible flower petals for a fresh look. Around Halloween, switch to orange and black sprinkles to make them party-ready.
Enjoy these festive cookies fresh or frozen, and don’t forget that the sprinkles add both joy and a delightful crunch.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What causes the crinkle effect on these cookies?
The crinkle effect forms when the cookie dough is rolled in powdered sugar or sprinkles and the surface cracks during baking due to the dough expanding while spreading in the oven.
- → Can I substitute the Dutch processed cocoa powder?
You can use natural unsweetened cocoa powder, but expect a slightly different color and a more acidic flavor in the final cookies.
- → What are nonpareil sprinkles used for?
Nonpareil sprinkles add a colorful, crunchy texture on the surface of the cookies, enhancing their festive appearance and providing a slight texture contrast.
- → How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain softness and flavor.
- → Is it important to chill the dough before baking?
The dough can be baked immediately; chilling is optional but can help control spreading and deepen flavors.