If you’re a chocolate lover who dreams of soft, chewy cookies with a hint of old-fashioned charm, then these Chocolate Sugar Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Every bite blends the richness of unsweetened cocoa with just the right amount of sweetness, producing a cookie that’s irresistibly tender inside with those perfectly crisp edges. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weeknight treat or prepping festive goodies for a special occasion, this classic recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your cookie rotation (and your heart!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Chocolate Sugar Cookies is how their simple, pantry-staple ingredients work together to create bold flavor and dreamy texture. Each one plays a role in delivering that perfectly balanced, chocolaty cookie that’s impossible to resist.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for melt-in-your-mouth texture, lending rich flavor and ensuring soft, irresistible cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens and helps the cookies develop that delicate crisp edge, especially if you roll the dough in sugar before baking.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and provides a subtle richness so each bite is tender and chewy.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Balances the chocolate with warm, floral notes for a classic, home-baked aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives the cookies just the right amount of structure without weighing them down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Delivers deep, chocolatey flavor and that signature dark color—make sure you’re using the real, unsweetened kind for best results.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Creates a slight lift, resulting in cookies that are airy yet soft in the center.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the cookies from being overly sweet.
How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This small step ensures your cookies bake evenly and lift off the tray without sticking or breaking apart—plus, cleanup is a total breeze!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process creates air pockets in the dough, which means softer, more tender cookies. Don’t rush it—take a good 2-3 minutes for the best results.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is fully incorporated and silky smooth. The egg provides structure, while vanilla rounds out the rich chocolate flavor you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the cocoa and baking powder are distributed evenly, preventing clumps and giving your cookies a uniform color and texture.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t over-mix—stop as soon as everything comes together, and you’ll get that perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookie texture.
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Dough
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into even balls. For a sparkly touch, roll each dough ball in a little extra granulated sugar before placing them onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each one with your hand or the bottom of a glass; this helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that classic sugar cookie appearance.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the centers still look soft—don’t over-bake! Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies are beautiful as is, but for a special touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. During the holidays, decorate with colorful sprinkles or a swirl of royal icing—you’ll be amazed at how easily they turn into festive showstoppers!
Side Dishes
Nothing says classic comfort like pairing Chocolate Sugar Cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steamy mug of hot chocolate. For grown-up gatherings, these are wonderful alongside espresso or a sweet dessert wine. They also tuck perfectly next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple-yet-elegant dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few cookies in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts, or layer them on a vintage cake stand for your next party. For a playful twist, use the cookies as “bread” for ice cream sandwiches—just add your favorite flavor and freeze until set!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and chewy, making them perfect for grab-and-go treats or lunchbox surprises throughout the week.
Freezing
These Chocolate Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully! Place baked, cooled cookies in a single layer (or separate layers with parchment) in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—just let them thaw slightly before baking as usual.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It will taste soft and fresh, as if it just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural unsweetened?
Yes, you can swap in Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper color and slightly smoother flavor. Either type Dessert.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and chilled in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. Just allow it to soften a bit at room temperature before shaping and baking for easy scooping.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
To keep Chocolate Sugar Cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread—the bread provides moisture that keeps the cookies tender longer. Just swap the bread slice after a couple of days.
Are these cookies good for decorating?
Yes, they hold their shape well and make an excellent canvas for icing, chocolate drizzle, or festive sprinkles. They’re a favorite for holiday cookie trays or edible gifts!
Do Chocolate Sugar Cookies work well for ice cream sandwiches?
Oh, absolutely! Their chewy-yet-sturdy texture holds up wonderfully to ice cream. Simply sandwich your favorite frozen flavor between two cookies and freeze until firm for homemade, chocolaty ice cream sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Chocolate Sugar Cookies! They’re easy enough for everyday baking but special enough to impress at any gathering. Grab a glass of milk and get ready for your new favorite chocolatey treat—you’ll want to bake these again and again!
Print
Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Chocolate Sugar Cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With a hint of cocoa and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll into balls, place on baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 9 to 11 minutes until set.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra sparkle, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles after baking for special occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
