Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These chocolate sugar cookies offer a delicious twist on the classic treat, combining rich cocoa flavor with a tender, sweet texture. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form a smooth dough.
- Step 6: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra chewiness, add a tablespoon of light corn syrup or honey to the dough.
- Try mixing in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a richer chocolate taste, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa.
- Make sure not to overbake; the cookies should be set but still soft in the center when you take them out.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter provides flavor and texture that’s essential for these cookies. While margarine can be used, it may alter the taste and texture slightly. Oil is not recommended as it will produce a different consistency.
Why are my cookies flat and spreading too much?
This can happen if the dough is too warm or if too much butter is used. Chill the dough before baking and measure ingredients carefully to avoid excess butter.
PrintChocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Chocolate Sugar Cookies, combining the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the deep flavor of cocoa. Perfectly soft yet slightly chewy, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for any chocolate lover’s treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for achieving a tender cookie texture.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth, ensuring the mixture is consistent.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps achieve optimum texture.
Notes
- For an extra chocolatey touch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top before baking.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for best creaming results.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and chewy.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To deepen chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder if available.
Keywords: chocolate sugar cookies, cocoa cookies, soft chocolate cookies, easy chocolate cookies, homemade chocolate cookies
