If you’re searching for the perfect treat that brings together the comforting familiarity of a sugar cookie with the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate, these Chocolate Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite. Each bite is a celebration of soft, chewy texture and deep cocoa goodness, rolled in a delicate sugar crust that sparkles in the light. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, sharing with friends, or just indulging in a solo kitchen adventure, this recipe delivers cookies that look as beautiful as they taste, and are sure to disappear fast!

Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Chocolate Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a special role, from the butter that creates a tender crumb, to the cocoa powder that brings a bold chocolate punch. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make your cookies shine:

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure and just the right balance of chewiness and softness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that rich chocolate flavor and deep color—choose a high-quality brand for the best taste.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise ever so slightly for a lovely texture.
Baking powder: Adds a touch more lift, ensuring the cookies aren’t too dense.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes the chocolate pop.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creams beautifully with sugar for a tender, flavorful base.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds that irresistible sugar crunch on the outside.
Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Vanilla extract: Compliments the chocolate and brings warmth to every bite.
Milk: Just a splash keeps the dough soft and easy to handle.
Additional granulated sugar (for rolling): Gives each cookie a sparkly, slightly crunchy finish.

How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also ensures nice, evenly baked cookies with golden bottoms. Prepping your pans first keeps everything moving smoothly once the dough is ready.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is key for evenly distributing the leaveners and cocoa, so every Chocolate Sugar Cookie bakes up perfectly chocolatey and tender.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming well at this stage is the secret to cookies that are soft with a delicate crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Milk

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to your creamed butter mixture. This adds moisture, richness, and a gentle aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the cocoa.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.

Step 6: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Roll each ball generously in the extra granulated sugar to coat. This sugar crust gives every bite a delightful sparkle and a gentle crunch.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this helps them firm up without overbaking, ensuring every Chocolate Sugar Cookie is perfectly chewy.

How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate takes these cookies from everyday treat to showstopper status. For a festive touch, try a sprinkle of holiday-colored sugar or a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking for a delicious contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chocolate Sugar Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their deep cocoa flavor also plays beautifully alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for sweet gifts, or arrange them in a tin lined with parchment paper for a classic look. For parties, serve them on a tiered stand alongside other cookie favorites, or make cookie sandwiches with a little chocolate or vanilla frosting in the middle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Chocolate Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect treat to have on hand for snacking or sharing.

Freezing

Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough freeze beautifully. For baked cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. For dough, scoop and roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag—just thaw slightly and roll in sugar before baking fresh cookies anytime!

Reheating

If you love that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that soft, gooey center and makes your kitchen smell like you just baked a fresh batch of Chocolate Sugar Cookies.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of natural?

Yes! Dutch-process cocoa will give your Chocolate Sugar Cookies a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor and a darker color. Just be aware it may slightly change the texture, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

How do I make the cookies extra chewy?

For the chewiest texture, slightly underbake your cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet. You can also add an extra tablespoon of milk or a tablespoon of brown sugar to the dough for added moisture and chewiness.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Stir in a cup of chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped pecans to the dough for a fun twist. This turns your Chocolate Sugar Cookies into double chocolate delights or nutty, crunchy treats.

Why did my cookies spread too much or too little?

Cookie spread can be affected by butter temperature, flour measurement, and oven temperature. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help control spreading.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting or shipping?

Yes, they’re fantastic for gifting! Their sturdy texture and sugar coating help them stay fresh and intact during shipping. Just be sure to pack them snugly in an airtight container with layers of parchment to prevent breakage.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a batch of Chocolate Sugar Cookies—the process is simple, the aroma is heavenly, and the results are always met with smiles. If you’ve never tried this chocolatey twist on a classic, I encourage you to preheat your oven and give it a whirl. These cookies are guaranteed to bring a bit of extra joy to your day!

Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate Sugar Cookies, perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of cocoa powder and classic sugar cookie ingredients, they offer a fudgy chocolate flavor with a crisp sugar-coated edge and soft center. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies are ideal for holiday treats or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

For Coating

1/4 cup additional granulated sugar for rolling

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute all the leavening agents and cocoa.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and milk into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until everything is fully combined, forming a smooth base for the dough.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing, which could make the cookies tough.
Form Cookie Balls and Roll in Sugar: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough, roll each into a ball, and then coat them in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar to add a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Arrange and Bake: Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for chewiness.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps develop their perfect texture.

Notes

For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them and allow them to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for an extra chocolatey treat, making double chocolate sugar cookies.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.
To soften butter quickly, cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American