Candy Cane Crinkle Cookies

TheseCandy Cane Crinkles are more than just a sweet treat; they're a way to spread joy and create lasting holiday memories.

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 8

Course Cookies, Dessert

Servings 2 dozen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky.
For easier handling, cover the bowl and chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour.
Place the ½ cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them completely in the powdered sugar until fully coated. This creates the signature crinkle!
Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 minutes. The cookies will puff up and then crinkle beautifully. They will look slightly soft in the center but will set as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Do not frost warm cookies!

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the evaporated milk, beating until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more evaporated milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Divide the frosting into two bowls. About ⅓ of the frosting for the peppermint, and ⅔ for the chocolate.
To the larger portion, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Beat until well combined and smooth, adding a tiny splash more evaporated milk if needed for consistency.
To the smaller portion, add a few drops of pink food coloring. Beat until the color is even and the frosting is smooth.
Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each cookie first with the chocolate frosting (this can be a thin layer). Then, add a dollop or swirl of the pink peppermint frosting on top. Immediately sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes before the frosting sets.