Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Sugar Cookies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers, combining the rich, cocoa-infused flavor of chocolate with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a sugar cookie. These cookies are slightly crisp on the edges with a tender, chewy center, and they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party, a bake sale, or just a cozy day at home with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.

Unlike traditional sugar cookies, this recipe features unsweetened cocoa powder, giving the cookies a deep, chocolatey taste that’s not too sweet. They’re easy to make, require simple pantry ingredients, and can be dressed up with festive decorations, royal icing, or a sprinkle of sugar. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing holiday cookie trays, or satisfying your chocolate cravings, Chocolate Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to impress.

In this detailed recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make these delicious cookies step by step, with tips for perfecting the texture, creative decorating ideas, and ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the world of rich, chocolatey goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why Chocolate Sugar Cookies will become a favorite in your baking rotation:

1. Rich Chocolate Flavor: These cookies are made with cocoa powder, delivering a deep, intense chocolate taste.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of butter, sugar, and just the right amount of flour creates cookies that are soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges.
3. Customizable: You can roll the dough in sugar for a sparkly finish, pipe on icing for decoration, or sandwich them with frosting.
4. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a special celebration, these cookies fit every event.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Rolling (Optional):

• ¼ cup granulated sugar or sparkling sugar

Optional Decorations:

• Royal icing
• Melted chocolate
• Sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two portions and flatten each into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Option 1: Rolled Cookies

1. Lightly flour a clean work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one portion of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
2. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, transferring them to the prepared baking sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed.

Option 2: Drop Cookies

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
2. Roll each ball in granulated sugar or sparkling sugar, then place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly underdone, but they’ll firm up as the cookies cool.
2. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate (Optional)

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing, melted chocolate, or sprinkles. Let the decorations set before serving or storing.

Ingredient Background

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the key to a rich, tender cookie. Using softened butter allows it to cream more easily with sugar, creating a soft and chewy texture.

Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives these cookies their deep chocolate flavor. For a more intense flavor, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, which has a smoother, less acidic taste.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also helps them achieve their chewy texture. Rolling the dough in sugar adds a sparkly finish.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder

This combination of leavening agents gives the cookies just enough lift to stay soft while maintaining their chewy centers.

Technique Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps develop the flavors.
3. Bake One Sheet at a Time: For even baking, bake one tray of cookies at a time on the middle rack of the oven.
4. Check for Doneness: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Sandwich Cookies: Spread frosting, Nutella, or peanut butter between two cookies to make sandwich cookies.
• Thumbprint Cookies: Make an indentation in each cookie ball before baking and fill it with chocolate ganache or jam.
• Holiday-Themed Cookies: Use seasonal cookie cutters (like stars, hearts, or snowflakes) and decorate with festive icing and sprinkles.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Test Bake One Cookie: If you’re unsure about the baking time, bake one cookie as a test to determine the perfect timing for your oven.

Recipe Variations

• Double Chocolate: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks for extra chocolatey cookies.
• Mint Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough for a minty twist.
• Spiced Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a Mexican hot chocolate-inspired flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If decorating with icing, let the decorations set fully before storing.

Freezing

For Baked Cookies:

1. Let the cookies cool completely.
2. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months.

For Dough:

1. Shape the dough into balls or discs, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid.
2. Transfer the frozen dough to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar by ¼ cup and use dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Chocolate Sugar Cookies are versatile and can be served for various occasions:

• Holiday Parties: Decorate the cookies with festive icing and serve on a decorative platter.
• Cookie Swaps: These cookies are great for sharing—package them in clear cellophane bags with a festive ribbon.
• Dessert Platters: Pair them with brownies, blondies, or other cookies for a decadent dessert tray.

Special Equipment

• Mixer: A hand or stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Cookie Cutters: For shaped cookies, use your favorite cookie cutters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?

No, the cocoa powder is essential for the chocolate flavor. However, you can try a plain sugar cookie recipe if you prefer.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the butter was too soft or if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

3. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

4. Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Absolutely! Once cooled, these cookies hold up well to royal icing decorations.

5. How do I make the cookies extra chewy?

Use more brown sugar than white sugar, as brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.

6. Can I use dark cocoa powder?

Yes, dark cocoa powder will give the cookies a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

7. Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set.

8. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or candies?

Yes! Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candies for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for chocolate lovers who appreciate the buttery goodness of a classic sugar cookie. With their rich flavor, soft texture, and endless customization options, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as an everyday indulgence. Whether you enjoy them plain, decorated, or paired with a glass of milk, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Try it today and experience the magic of these irresistible cookies!

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