Chocolate Sugar Cookies {Cut Out Recipe} - Grandbaby Cakes (2024)

Here’s a little twist on a classic favorite – Chocolate Sugar Cookies! I know we all get down on a good, old-fashioned sugar cookie, but trust me, adding a bit of chocolate to the mix takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The dough is so easy to make with simple ingredients, and before you know it, you’ll have these little beauties baking in the oven. The result y’all? A batch of soft, buttery, rich chocolate sugar cookies that are just as easy to whip up as the regular ones but the flavor is so so bomb!

These cut-out chocolate sugar cookies are perfect for the holidays and for when you’re feeling, well chocolatey! This year I’ve spent quite some time playing around with classic recipes to see how I could upgrade them, and when it was time for my signature sugar cookie recipe, I just knew I had to throw some cocoa powder in there. And let me tell you, these aren’t just any chocolate cookies, y’all… They’re the perfect balance of sweet, a hint of salty, and a whole lot of chocolate goodness. SO addictive!!

Plus, chocolate sugar cookies are not just for the holiday season – these treats are a year-round delight! Honestly, whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a no-fuss treat, these easy chocolate sugar cookies are the answer.

The Heart & Soul Of These Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Sweet and Chocolatey
Skill Level: Beginner

Sweet Spots

• Simplicity at Its Best: In a world where cookies are often loaded with every add-in under the sun, these chocolate shortbread-like cookies stand out with their simplicity. There’s no extra candy here – just pure, rich chocolate flavor!
• Perfect for Decorating: These cookies hold their shape to a cookie cutter and in the oven, without spreading out. So if you’re looking to get creative with decorations, these are your perfect canvas!
• Ideal for Gatherings: Planning a get-together or heading to a cookie swap? This recipe has you covered! You can easily whip up a big batch of these treats, ensuring there’s enough chocolatey goodness to go around.
• Effortless Prep: While the dough does need a bit of chill time in the fridge, making it is a breeze. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have your cookie dough ready in no time.
• Crowd Pleaser: Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good chocolate cookie? These cookies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike, making them a solid choice for satisfying those chocolate cravings in a crowd.

Ingredients To Make These Chocolate Sugar Cookies

• Flour: All-purpose flour is your go-to for these cookies. Remember to sift it before mixing to avoid any lumps and get that perfect cookie texture!
• Baking powder: This leavener helps your cookies puff up just enough, making them soft and delicious.
• Cocoa powder: This is where that rich, chocolatey magic happens! Make sure it’s unsweetened to balance the sweetness just right.
• Kosher salt: A pinch of salt is key in any sweet treat. It balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the chocolate sugar cookies.
• Butter: You’ll want to stick with unsalted butter here. It lets you control the saltiness of your cookies and ensures that rich, buttery flavor shines through.
• Granulated sugar: This sweet staple gives your cookies that crave-worthy sweetness.
• Egg: Room temperature eggs mix better and help bind everything together, giving you the perfect amount of moisture for a tender bite.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a layer of warm, aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Sanding sugar: A sprinkle on top for a bit of sparkle and a slight crunch! It’s like the cherry on top for these easy chocolate cookies with cocoa powder.

How To Make These Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Baking these cookies is simple! Just to give you a quick overview, I’ve outlined the main steps here. However, for all the specifics and measurements, make sure to check out the recipe card below.

Step 1: Mix The Cookie Dough

1. Add flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt to a medium bowl.
2. Whisk together and set aside.
3. Add butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer.
4. Mix on high speed until light and fluffy.Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Continue mixing until smooth, then decrease speed and add flour mixture in two additions. Mix until combined.
6. Divide dough into two pieces, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Shape And Bake The Cookies

1. Dust a baking sheet with flour, place one disc of dough and dust with a bit more flour. Then, roll out the dough.
2. Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
3. Place the cookies on baking sheets prepared with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle sanding sugar on top and bake.

Tips For Making The Best Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies

1. Scrape That Bowl: Don’t underestimate the power of scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl! Doing this several times while mixing ensures all ingredients are well-incorporated, leading to an even, consistent dough.
2. Room Temperature is Key: Cold ingredients can lead to lumpy dough, so make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature before you start. This simple step makes a big difference in how well these ingredients blend together.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar Well: Take your time creaming the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into your dough, giving you lighter, soft cocoa cookies. Rushing through this can result in tough cookies, so show some patience here!
4. Chill for Perfection: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they keep their shape. It also makes the dough easier to handle when rolling and cutting.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Use Vegetable Shortening: If you’re steering clear of dairy, swap out the butter for an equal amount of vegetable shortening. It’s a great alternative that keeps the chocolate sugar cookies lactose-free without compromising their soft, delicious texture.
• Add Dutch Cocoa Powder: For a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, try using Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of the regular kind. It has a darker, bittersweet chocolate taste.
• Mix In Orange Zest: Grate some orange zest into your cookie dough for a fresh, citrusy burst. The combo of orange and chocolate is classic and absolutely mouth-watering!!
• Try Adding Espresso Powder: To enhance the chocolate flavor even more, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough. It doesn’t make the cookies taste like pure coffee, but it does make the chocolate flavor more pronounced and complex.

What To Serve With Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

• Milk: You just can’t go wrong with this timeless combo. Serve these chocolate sugar cookies with a tall, cold glass of milk. It’s perfect for dunking and brings out that rich chocolate flavor in the most delightful way!
• Warm Drinks: Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cookie while sipping on your favorite warm drink. Pair these cookies with a rich hot chocolate, a steaming cup of coffee, or a hot buttered rum for a cozy treat on chilly evenings.
• Create a Cookie Assortment: Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday party, or just a gathering of friends, these cookies are fantastic as part of a larger cookie spread! Surround them with classics like snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin cookies, and vanilla sugar cookies decorated with colorful icing for a fun and varied dessert table.
• Use Them For Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun dessert, use these cookies to make ice cream sandwiches. Just add a scoop of your favorite ice cream (vanilla, strawberry, or even cookies and cream) between two cookies and voilà – a deliciously cool treat!

How To Store Chocolate Sugar Cookies

For storing these yummy chocolate sugar cookies, just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their freshness and irresistible texture. However, be sure to let them cool completely before storing them to prevent any moisture buildup, which can make them soggy and we shole don’t want a soggy cookie boo.

How Long Will Chocolate Sugar Cookies Last?

If you find yourself with a few too many cookies, don’t worry – they’re just as tasty a few days later, especially with a warm drink! Actually, these chocolate sugar cookies will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days when stored properly. Over time, they may lose a bit of their softness, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I Freeze Soft Cocoa Cookies?

For longer storage, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the cookie dough. To freeze the cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. For the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months as well, making it super convenient to have a batch of cookies ready whenever the craving strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Y’all, if you’re jazzing up these Chocolate Sugar Cookies for the gram or cozying up with your go-to sip, or straight-up snacking from the jar, trust, they’re gonna make you do that happy dance! Each nibble packs that lush chocolatey vibe mixed with a sweet, buttery bliss that’s legit addictive. So, honey, fire up that mixer, and let’s get those sweet, sweet baking vibes rolling through your kitchen!

More Chocolate Cookie Recipes

• Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Orange Chocolate Cookies
• Turtle Cookie Recipe
• Mississippi Mud Cookies
• Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies

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