Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Imagine a cookie that blends deep, chocolatey flavor with that classic crackly sugar top—irresistible. These Chocolate Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat you’ll crave all year round, whether it’s for a cozy winter evening, a festive cookie swap, or simply an afternoon craving for something sweet. Perfectly chewy in the center, with just enough crunch around the edges and a sparkle of decorator’s sugar that catches the light (and everyone’s attention), these cookies are as easy to make as they are to devour. If you’re looking for a new baking tradition, Chocolate Sugar Cookies are about to become your go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Chocolate Sugar Cookies lies in their simple ingredients—each one playing a starring role in shaping the cookie’s flavor, texture, and that signature sparkling appearance. Gather these pantry staples and get ready for amazing results!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving them sturdy shape and the perfect amount of chewiness.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a deliciously rich chocolate taste and deep brown color that makes these cookies truly stand out.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount for a light, puffy center.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to create perfect spread and texture.
- Salt: A little goes a long way, bringing out all that chocolate flavor and balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, and also enhances richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie and creams beautifully with butter for that irresistibly smooth dough.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure for a perfectly cohesive cookie dough.
- Whole milk: Contributes moisture, ensuring a soft, luscious texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of warmth and aromatic sweetness.
- Sparkling decorator’s sugar (for rolling): Gives each cookie a magical, glittering finish and a gentle crunch.
How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Taking the time to blend these dry ingredients evenly means every bite of your Chocolate Sugar Cookies will have the ideal balance of chocolate and just the right rise—no uneven bits here!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl with a handheld mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. This should take about 2 minutes to achieve a light, fluffy mixture, which is the secret to those tender cookies with the perfect crumb.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Mix in the egg until your dough is super smooth. This step is what gives your cookies structure and their classic “cookie” chew.
Step 4: Blend in Milk and Vanilla
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract and mix again. The extra moisture ensures your Chocolate Sugar Cookies stay soft at the center, while the vanilla adds irresistible aromatic depth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add your dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—stopping as soon as everything’s come together keeps these cookies soft and delicate.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. Chilling is essential for flavor development and helps control spreading in the oven, so you get those thick, bakery-style Chocolate Sugar Cookies every time.
Step 7: Prep for Baking
When you’re ready, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This gives you time to portion out your cookies and ensures even baking.
Step 8: Shape and Sugar-Coat Each Cookie
Scoop the chilled dough into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls, then dip one side in a bowl of sparkling decorator’s sugar. Place them, sugar-side up, on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. This step is where the signature sparkle and delightful crunch come in—so don’t skip it!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-11 minutes, watching for when the tops are puffed and nearly set. These cookies shouldn’t look fully baked when you pull them; they’ll finish setting up as they cool. That’s the secret to their soft, fudgy centers.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 8-10 minutes to set (and so they don’t fall apart in transit), then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now it’s time for the best part: tasting your Chocolate Sugar Cookies!
How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies need very little to shine, but for extra flair, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder can take your Chocolate Sugar Cookies to the next level. A few crushed peppermint candies at the holidays make them even more festive.
Side Dishes
Pair these Chocolate Sugar Cookies with cold milk for a classic combo, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of coffee for grown-up indulgence. Fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream also make delightful, light accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative! Stack cookies and tie them with a ribbon for a shareable edible gift, or arrange them on a platter with other cookies for a stunning dessert spread. You can even turn them into ice cream sandwiches—just add a scoop between two Chocolate Sugar Cookies and gently press together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy without drying out, making them perfect for make-ahead treats throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the rolled cookie dough balls (without the decorator’s sugar) on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, dip in sugar and bake from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked cookies to enjoy later—just let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Chocolate Sugar Cookies are delicious at room temperature, but if you want to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop one in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. It will be soft, slightly warm, and absolutely irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of regular?
Yes! Dutch-processed cocoa will give your Chocolate Sugar Cookies an even deeper chocolate flavor and a darker color. Just be sure to use baking powder as listed, as the acidity of the cocoa can affect rising.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling is crucial for this recipe. It lets the flavors meld and ensures the cookies hold their shape in the oven, which gives you those thick, soft centers and crisp edges we all love.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles (or halves) beautifully, making it easy to bake enough Chocolate Sugar Cookies for a party or just a cozy batch for two.
What’s the best way to get perfectly round cookies?
Rolling the dough into smooth, even balls before dipping in sugar helps a lot. If you want super round cookies, gently swirl them with a round cookie cutter immediately after baking, when they’re still soft on the tray.
Is it okay to skip the sparkling decorator’s sugar?
While you technically can make the cookies without decorator’s sugar, the crunchy, sparkly finish is part of their charm. If you can’t find it, regular granulated sugar is a good alternative, but the sparkle really sets Chocolate Sugar Cookies apart!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about homemade Chocolate Sugar Cookies—the way they light up a table, fill your kitchen with the smell of chocolate, and instantly put a smile on everyone’s face. Whether you’re sharing them or sneaking a few with your favorite drink, these cookies are pure homemade happiness. Give them a try and see how quickly they become a tradition in your home!
Print
Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and chocolatey goodness of these Chocolate Sugar Cookies. With a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center, these cookies are perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- 1/3 cup sparkling decorator’s sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add Egg: Mix in the egg until smooth.
- Mix in Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla, mix until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and mix until just combined.
- Chill Dough: Chill the dough for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat and Shape Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into balls, roll in decorator’s sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-11 minutes until set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Chocolate Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Cookies Recipe, Homemade Cookies, Dessert Recipe
