When I was growing up, I had no idea that the cookies we called Wagon Wheel Cookies were called Crinkle Cookies by most people. Crinkle Cookies make sense since they have distinctive crinkles on the top after they’re cooked, but to me, they’ll always be Wagon Wheel Cookies.
Christmas is one of my favorite holidays to enjoy these cookies. Dipping grandma’s homemade wagon wheels into a nice warm mug of hot chocolate made these cookies even more delicious! Rich with chocolate and covered in powdery white sugar, this wagon wheel recipe is sure to make a cookie that is enjoyed by all.
If you enjoy baking, I will be sharing many more cookie recipes in the weeks to come. I hope you come back to check them out. Don’t forget you can always bake along with me by following my YouTube video where I am making Grandma Pam’s Wagon Wheel Crinkle Cookies.
Ingredients
- Eggs – Eggs play a significant roll in the dynamic of a cookie. They provide structural support, moisture, and texture to the cookie. Without eggs, your cookies may appear flat and dense.
- Sugar – Sugar is the sweetener of the cookie. You can substitute white sugar with honey if desired.
- Vanilla – Adding vanilla extract to the cookie recipe will give your cookies a savory favor. Without vanilla, your cookies may have a bland taste.
- Oil – I recommend using a neutral oil such as a mild olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. Oil is a fat and is essential in baking. Not only does it help leaven bread, but it also provides richness to the flavor of the baked good.
- Cocoa – Cocoa is the chocolate of the recipe. Cocoa is also called chocolate powder and will provide the cookie with the dark chocolate taste that everyone craves when they see Chocolate Wagon Wheels sitting on a plate.
- Flour – I recommend using all-purpose flour, but you can use bleached or unbleached. You can substitute half of the plain flour for whole wheat flour as well.
- Baking Powder – Baking powder is a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. Every one of these ingredients plays a crucial role in the fluffiness and density of the cookie.
- Salt – Salt is a flavor enhancer. It will bring out the chocolate flavor in the cookie.
- Icing Sugar – Also known as confectioner’s sugar, icing sugar is powdered sugar. You can not use regular sugar for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix thoroughly.
- Add oil and stir until well blended.
- In a separate large bowl, mix all dry ingredients well with a whisk. Add to wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough is formed.
- Cover the mixing bowl with cling wrap and chill the dough for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
- Roll dough into small balls, then roll in icing sugar. Place on an ungreased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet at least 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets, then remove them with a spatula and put them on a wire rack to finish cooling.
Grandma Pam's Chocolate Wagon Wheel Cookies
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups sugar
- 3 Tbsp vanilla
- 3/4 cup olive or avocado oil
- 1 cup cocoa
- 3 cups unbleached white flour
- 3 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup icing sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla.
- Add oil and stir until well blended.
- Mix all dry ingredients well with a whisk. Add to wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough is formed.
- Chill dough for at least 3 hours.
- Roll dough into small balls, then roll in icing sugar. Place on ungreased baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Let cookies cool slightly on sheets, then remove them with a spatula and put them on racks to finish cooling.
Notes
These cookies are rich, chewy, and chocolatey. They spread a lot, so don't be tempted to put them closer together than recommended. This makes 10-12 dozen based on how large you make the balls.
Troubleshooting and FAQ’s
- Why are my wagon wheel cookies flat?
This can happen due to various factors. If you do not chill the dough prior to baking, it will spread out when baking. If you forgot to add the baking powder, the cookies will not rise appropriately. Lastly, if you add too much oil, it will cause the cookies to thin. - How do I know the cookies are done baking?
The tops of the cookies will appear cracked, and the edges will be slightly firm. Usually, they require a baking time of 10-12 minutes. - Will my cookies harden as they cool?
The cookies will continue to harden as they cool because the surface will dry out.
How to Store Wagon Wheel Cookies
Wagon wheel cookies can be stored in a cookie jar or a container with a top for up to 5 days. I recommend adding a slice of bread to the storage container to help keep them soft.
You can also freeze them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat them, place them in the fridge to thaw and then on the counter until they reach room temperature.
I would love to hear how you liked this recipe! Comment below and let me know. Happy Baking!
