Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These chocolate sugar cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with a tender, buttery texture. Perfectly shaped and easy to decorate, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar together in the bowl of an electric mixer on low to medium speed using a paddle attachment. Mix until thoroughly incorporated, about one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again briefly. Avoid over mixing to prevent too much air in the dough.
2. Step 2: Add the eggs slowly while mixing. Scrape down the bowl at least once and mix again.
3. Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract briefly.
4. Step 4: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Add the sifted dry ingredients to the bowl. Place a large tea towel or two small ones between the bowl edge and the mixer to catch flour. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until the dough clumps around the paddle. Avoid over mixing.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough out between two large pieces of parchment paper. Place the parchment with dough on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Step 7: Roll the chilled dough further as needed and cut into desired cookie shapes. Place shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Re-roll scraps and repeat.
8. Step 8: Chill the cut cookie shapes in the refrigerator again for 10 minutes to 1 hour to help them hold their shape during baking.
9. Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
10. Step 10: Bake cookies for 8-12 minutes, or until the centers no longer look wet. Baking time depends on cookie size.
11. Step 11: Allow cookies to cool to room temperature before decorating.

Tips & Variations

• Chilling the dough thoroughly helps your cookies keep their shape and makes cutting easier.
• For a softer cookie, bake closer to 8 minutes; for a crisper cookie, bake up to 12 minutes.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Decorate with royal icing or dust with powdered sugar for festive presentations.

Storage

Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cocoa powder with different fat content?

Yes, natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder can be used, but it may slightly alter the flavor and color of the cookies.

Why is chilling the dough important?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut. It also helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, preventing excessive spreading.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 72 reviews

Delight in these rich and decadent Chocolate Sugar Cookies, combining the classic buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with intense cocoa flavor. Perfectly crisp around the edges while tender inside, these cookies are ideal for any occasion—whether you’re decorating for a holiday or indulging in a chocolaty treat.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: About 36 medium-sized cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on low to medium speed for about one minute until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a plastic spatula and mix again briefly. Avoid over mixing to prevent excess air incorporation, which can cause the dough to spread too much during baking.
2. Add eggs: Slowly add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture while mixing. Scrape down the bowl at least once to ensure even mixing, then mix again briefly.
3. Add vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and stir briefly to combine with the wet ingredients.
4. Prepare dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a separate bowl to ensure an even mixture and remove lumps.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add all the sifted dry ingredients to the mixing bowl. Place a large tea towel (or two small ones) between the edge of the bowl and the mixer to prevent flour from escaping. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until the dough starts clumping around the paddle attachment. Remove the tea towels. Be careful not to over mix as that can affect texture.
6. Chill the dough: Roll the dough out between two large pieces of parchment paper to an even thickness. Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to cut and bake.
7. Cut cookie shapes: After chilling, roll out the dough if necessary to desired thickness and use cookie cutters to cut shapes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cookie shapes, leaving space between them. Re-roll any scraps as needed and repeat cutting.
8. Chill cookie shapes: Place the cut cookie shapes back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes up to 1 hour. This resting step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
9. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (176°C), ensuring it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
10. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 12 minutes or until the centers no longer look wet. Baking time varies depending on cookie size; smaller cookies will bake faster, larger cookies may need closer to 12 minutes.
11. Cool and decorate: Allow cookies to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before decorating as desired.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
• Do not over mix the dough to prevent spreading in the oven.
• Chilling the dough and cookie shapes helps maintain shape and improve texture.
• Use parchment paper when rolling and baking for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Adjust baking time based on cookie size and oven differences for best results.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: chocolate sugar cookies, cocoa cookies, homemade chocolate cookies, baking cookies, dessert recipe, holiday cookies