Festive Hanukkah Kokosh Cookies (Printable Version)

Chocolate-cinnamon swirl cookies marry Hanukkah and Christmas flavors, offering a festive and buttery dessert fusion.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 cup milk

→ Filling

09 - 3/4 cup finely chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips
10 - 1/4 cup cocoa powder
11 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Finishing

14 - 1 large egg, beaten
15 - 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or sprinkles (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until fully combined.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
04 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter mixture, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms.
05 - Divide dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes.
06 - In a separate bowl, blend chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly mixed.
07 - Set oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - On a lightly floured surface, roll each disk of dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
09 - Distribute half the chocolate filling evenly over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
10 - Starting from a long edge, roll each filled rectangle into a tight log. Slice each log into 12 uniform cookies.
11 - Place cookies cut side down onto prepared baking sheets. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar or sprinkles as desired.
12 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cookies are golden and set. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses basic baking pantry items so you likely have everything you need already
  • Perfect for both Hanukkah and Christmas gatherings
  • Delivers swirls of chocolate and cinnamon in every bite
  • Kid friendly to make and share
  • They look stunning on a holiday cookie platter and fill the house with festive aromas
02 -
  • These cookies offer a beautiful fusion of two cherished traditions making them perfect for mixed holiday celebrations
  • High in chocolate flavor yet not too sweet so adults and kids love them
  • The recipe is freezer friendly so you can bake ahead for busy holiday weeks
03 -
  • Work with chilled dough for neatest swirls and easier handling. If your kitchen is warm only roll out one disk at a time keeping the other dough chilled
  • Use a very sharp knife for even slicing and wipe clean between cuts to preserve the beautiful pattern
  • For extra shine and a bakery style finish let the egg washed cookies air dry for three minutes before baking. This helps the surface set for a golden look
  • Most of all let your kitchen fill with the scent of chocolate and cinnamon. It is pure holiday happiness from the oven to the table