chocolate sugar cookies

chocolate sugar cookies

You know those days? What are some days when you just want something sweet but you’re craving something truly sweet? What is comforting, something that feels like a warm hug? What is it like to be in your grandmother’s kitchen? She had this way of making the simplest things feel magical. What is a magic recipe? What are some of my favorite chocolate sugar cookies? Isn’t it a joy to bake little discs of pure joy? What is the kind of treat that makes everyone happy, and honestly, it’s ridiculously easy to whip. If you’ve ever loved a classic Sugar Cookie but wished it had that irresistible chocolatey depth, then you know what I mean. Is it true that you are in for a real treat? Chocolate sugar cookies are the answer to your cravings.

chocolate sugar cookies final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is chocolate sugar cookies?

What exactly are chocolate sugar cookies? Think of your classic, buttery Sugar Cookie – the kind that’s soft in the middle with just the right amount of sugar. The slightest crisp around the edges. Now imagine that beloved texture and comforting flavor, but infused with rich, decadent chocolate. What is a sugar cookie dough that’s been enriched with cocoa powder? Is there a chocolate flavor that’s not overpowering? What are chocolate sugar cookies? The familiar comfort of a sugar cookie, elevated with the irresistible allure of chocolate. What is the best of both worlds?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to make chocolate sugar cookies? Try to narrow it down. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. Is it that perfect marriage of sweet vanilla and rich cocoa, giving you a cookie that’s deeply flavored? What is satisfying without being overly sweet? My kids devour these, and my husband always asks for them when he needs a pick-me-up. Is there any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients? Everything you need is probably already in your pantry! I’ve tested this recipe with all sorts of flours and chocolates, and it’s always come through. What are some of the best recipes for a baker? How do I make something special without breaking the bank? What I love about them is their versatility. They’re fantastic on their own, but they can also be used as a base for decorating if you want to.Vanilla sugar cookies are a classic recipe. What are, you’ll adore these. They have a similar delicious crumb but with that wonderful chocolate twist that makes them feel like they are. Is it a bit more grown-up, yet still perfectly kid-friendly?

How do I make chocolate sugar cookies?

Quick Overview

Is it necessary to be a master baker to make chocolate sugar cookies? How can a baker nail it? The process is pretty straightforward. Is it safe to mix butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla to the dry ingredients? What is the best way to make dough? What are some of the best chocolate cookies ever made? Is it a one-bowl wonder for the dry ingredients, and mixing the wet is just as simple? Trust me, this method minimizes mess and maximizes flavor.

Ingredients

How do I create these little gems? I always try to use good quality ingredients because it really does make a difference in the final product.

For the Main Batter: Why is the main battery
1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it’s truly soften, not melted! I usually leave mine out for about an hour before I start.

Is 1 12 cup (300g) granulated sugar. This gives them that classic sugary sweetness?

Is room temperature best for seamless mixing?

What is the best way to use pure vanilla extract?

2 14 cups (281g) of all-purpose flour. Spooned and leveled, not scoop!

12 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a richer flavor and darker color, but natural works too!

What is the best way to spread baking soda evenly?

12 teaspoon salt. To balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate notes.

For the Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended!):
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar. Sifted to avoid lumps.

2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream. Start with 2 and add more if needed for consistency.

12 teaspoon vanilla extract. For that extra touch of flavor.

chocolate sugar cookies ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I get my oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)? I like to line baking sheets with parchment paper. What’s a game changer for cleaning? Why do cookies stick to the pan?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and baking soda. Set aside. How do I mix cocoa powder and baking soda? What is flour, which means your cookies will bake up beautifully and have a consistent flavor. No one wants a bite that’s too bitter from too much cocoa!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer (or similar mixer) until smooth. Set aside. I have a whisk and some serious arm power! ) until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the milk. Add the cream to the egg mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step is where you really build the base of your cookie’s flavor and texture.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. How do I not overmix? Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies. If you don’t see any streaks of dry flour, stop mixing. The dough will be soft, but it should hold together.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

This recipe is for a classic chocolate sugar cookie. If you wanted to add filling, this is where you’d prepare it! What are some good ways to make a simple Cream Cheese filling? For today’s version, we’re keeping it pure chocolate cookie bliss!

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

For this particular recipe, we’re not layering or swirling, but if you were making something like a sandwich, you’d be making it like an Ice Cream. If you’d like to make a chocolate marble cookie, you’d typically divide the dough, add more cocoa to one portion, and then bake it for 20-30 minutes. For our simple chocolate sugar cookies, we’ll just chill the dough.

I think I misspoke! While some cookies need chilling for rolling, these are so tender and delicious, they don’t need rolling. *require* chilling to roll. If your dough is too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. What makes rolling and cutting much cleaner? Once chilled (or if you skipped chilling and it’s manageable), you can either roll the dough into a ball or roll it into an elongated ball. What is the best way to flatten a ball and roll it out? How do you cut out shapes with cookie cutters? I love using round cutters, but any shape works!

Step 7: Bake

Place the cookies on a baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them so they have some texture. Is there room to spread out? Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Is it safe to overbake a potato on the baking sheet? The smell is divine at this stage.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack. Is it safe to use a wire rack to cool completely? If you try to glaze them while they’re warm, the glaze will just melt right off. Once they’re totally cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you get ‘a pourable’. Is there a thin consistency? Do not over-bake the cookies. Drizzle or spread the glaze over them.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set, these beauties are ready to be devoured! If you rolled them into rounds, you can slice them right from the baking sheet or just pick up your knife. What are cut-out Is it safe to eat them at room temperature? The contrast of the soft, chocolatey cookie with the sweet glaze is just divine.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best chocolate sugar cookies? With a few things depending on the occasion. I like to have a cup of coffee with my morning coffee. I’ll often have one or two. Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. I love arranging berries on a pretty platter for brunch. I like a glass of cold milk. I’ve had it for about two years now. They add a touch of homemade charm that everyone appreciates. As a dessert, they’re delicious after supper, perhaps with ice cream. Vanilla bean whipped cream is great too. How do you make whipped cream? What are some of the best snacks for an afternoon snack? What are some good ways to enjoy hot chocolate? My kids always ask for seconds, and sometimes I’ll serve them alongside fruit salad for a more flavorful meal. What is a balanced

How do you make chocolate sugar cookies?

I’ve made these chocolate sugar cookies so many times, and through a few kitchen adventures, I have made them again and again. I can’t believe how delicious they are. I’ve picked up a few tricks that really help ensure they turn out perfectly every single time. What is cocoa powder? I really prefer Dutch-processed cocoa if you can get your hands on it. It gives the cookies a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor and is an attractive dark color. If you only have natural cocoa powder, it will still be delicious, but the color will be a bit darker. The flavor is slightly tangier. How do you make butter soft? If it’s too cold, your dough won’t cream properly, and if it’s melted, you will spread too thin. How do I get rid of greasy skin? I’ve learned that lesson the hard way!

When it comes to mixing the dough, the biggest tip I can give you is to not overmix once the flour is mixed. Just mix until it’s *barely* combined. A few little streaks of flour are okay because they’ll get incorporated during the brief chill or chill. When you roll them. Overmixing develops gluten, and that’s the enemy of tender cookies. If you’re cutting out shapes, a thin layer of flour on your surface and rolling pin helps prevent sanding. Is it necessary to brush off flour before baking cookies?

For the glaze, consistency is key. Start with the lower amount of liquid and add more very slowly. How do you get a thick cookie to coat without running off the sides? If you accidentally make it too thin, just whisk in a little more powdered sugar. If milk is too thick, a tiny splash of milk will do the trick. And for baking, remember that ovens can vary. My oven runs a little hot, so I often reduce the temperature by 5-10 degrees. When baking, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking – they should look set around the edges. Is the center of the thigh soft? They’ll firm up as they cool.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with glaze! A little espresso powder whisked into the glaze can add a mocha twist, or peppermint. Can extract make them festive for the holidays? What makes a recipe truly yours?

Storing and Reheating Tips

Properly storing these chocolate sugar cookies is key to keeping them tasting fresh and delicious. Once the glaze has fully set (this usually takes about 30-60 minutes at room temperature), you can store them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay wonderfully soft and chewy for about 3-4 days. I usually layer them between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent the glaze from sticking to the cookie on top. If you find your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, you might want to pop them in the refrigerator, but be aware that this can sometimes make cookies a bit firmer. They’ll last about a week in the fridge, but I personally prefer them at room temp. If you want to keep them for longer, freezing is a great option! You can freeze them unfrosted for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, just bring them to room temperature on the counter for a couple of hours. If you’ve frosted them, it’s best to freeze them unfrosted and then glaze them after thawing for the best texture and appearance. Honestly, though, they disappear so fast in my house, I rarely have leftovers to store!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you absolutely can! I’ve had great success using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might find the texture is slightly different – sometimes a bit more crumbly, but still delicious. I’d start with a 1:1 substitution ratio. Make sure your GF flour blend is suited for baking. Some blends work better than others, so if you have a favorite, go with that!
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
This recipe doesn’t actually use zucchini! It’s a straightforward chocolate sugar cookie. My apologies if there was any confusion. I sometimes get recipes mixed up in my head because I make so many! For these cookies, no zucchini is involved.
Can I make this as muffins instead?
While these are designed as cookies, you could certainly adapt the dough into muffins! You’d likely want to add a bit more liquid, maybe 1-2 tablespoons of milk, as the dough might be a bit stiff for muffin cups. Bake them at the same temperature, but start checking for doneness around 18-20 minutes. They’ll be more cake-like than cookie-like, but still wonderfully chocolatey!
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
You can slightly reduce the sugar in the cookie dough by about ¼ cup if you prefer them less sweet. The cocoa powder does add a slightly bitter note that balances the sugar. For the glaze, if you want it less sweet, use less powdered sugar and a touch more milk for a thinner, less intensely sweet coating. You could also skip the glaze entirely, or just dust them lightly with a bit of powdered sugar.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
Oh, so many things! You can dust them with a bit of powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for a delicate finish. A simple sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking adds a lovely sweet-and-salty contrast. Or, you could dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate for an extra rich treat. Sprinkles are always fun too, especially if you’re decorating for a holiday!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my beloved chocolate sugar cookies! I really hope you give these a try. They’re more than just a recipe to me; they’re a little bit of comfort, a dash of nostalgia, and a whole lot of deliciousness. They prove that you don’t need complicated techniques or rare ingredients to create something truly special. These cookies are proof that simple pleasures are often the best. They’re perfect for bake sales, for an afternoon snack with a glass of milk, or just because you deserve a little chocolate treat. If you’re looking for other simple yet delightful cookies, you might also enjoy my oatmeal raisin cookies, which have that wonderful chewy texture. I can’t wait to hear how your chocolate sugar cookies turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share any fun variations or how your family enjoyed them. Happy baking!

chocolate sugar cookies slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Deliciously chewy chocolate sugar cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These cookies are delicious on their own, or you can decorate them with your favorite frosting or sprinkles!

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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