Fudgy Deliciousness

Today is the Feast Day of St Nicholas.  I can really start my Christmas baking, now that I am energized for this Advent Season (and upcoming Christmas Season).  I have made a similar recipe to this one many times; so easy and so good.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
adapted from: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chocolate_crinkles/

1 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 t vanilla (sometimes I add a small splash of peppermint extract)
2 cups flour
2 t baking powder
1 t espresso powder (optional) - have not tried this but heard it makes the chocolate 'pop'
1/2 t salt
1 cup powdered sugar

In a large mixing bowl cream together oil with sugar and cocoa powder.  Add eggs, singly.  Add vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, baking powder, espresso and salt.  Slowly add to the wet ingredients until just incorporated.  Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container. Chill several hours.  Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with silicon mats.  Drop dough by tablespoons into powdered sugar; coat.  Bake 10-12 minutes.  Cool completely on a cooling rack after resting slightly on cookie sheet first.
Fun Variation. After removing cookies from the oven place an unwrapped Hershey kiss in the center.