Name: 30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488163H47M24S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all purpose flour (360g); 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened, 50g); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature, 227g); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (53g); 1/2 cup white sugar (100g); 1 large egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something chocolaty and sweet but don’t want to wait around for dough to chill, these 30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies are exactly what your kitchen needs. They combine the rich, deep flavor of cocoa with the soft yet slightly crisp texture of classic sugar cookies, all whipped up in no time flat. The best part is how straightforward and quick the process is, delivering fresh-baked homemade cookies that satisfy your sweet tooth without the usual wait.

30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that gorgeous chocolatey color. From creamy butter to rich cocoa powder, here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature 227g): This provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
1/2 cup powdered sugar (53g): Adds a delicate sweetness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/2 cup white sugar (100g): Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness at the edges.
1 egg (large): Binds the dough together and adds moisture for softness.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a warm aromatic note.
3 cups all-purpose flour (360g): The base that structures the cookie while keeping it soft.
1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened 50g): Delivers that rich chocolate flavor and deep color without excess sweetness.
1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a lighter texture.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.

How to Make 30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F (175° C) and prepare two cookie sheets. This step is crucial because a hot oven ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect texture and slight caramelization on the edges.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the softened butter with both powdered and white sugars. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This aeration sets the foundation for light, tender cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Scrape down the sides of your bowl then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix for another minute to fully incorporate them. The egg adds moisture and structure, while vanilla brings out those warm, inviting flavors we all love.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low and gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mixing in the dry ingredients prevents flour clouds and ensures even distribution, resulting in uniformly chocolatey sugar cookies.

Step 5: Bring the Dough Together

Once the dry ingredients are added, raise your mixer to medium speed and blend until the dough is smooth and cohesive. It should come together easily but not feel sticky or overly dry.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Shapes

Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness. This makes handling easier and prevents sticking. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes, then carefully remove the excess dough around them. Transfer the parchment with cookie shapes onto your baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for about 10 minutes if your cookies are around 3 inches wide or 8-9 minutes for 2-inch cookies. Keep an eye on them so they come out perfectly soft with slightly crisp edges. Repeat rolling and cutting with the leftover dough until it’s all used up.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, get creative with decorating using easy or royal icing to make these cookies as festive or simple as you like.

How to Serve 30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Add a finishing touch with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or colorful sprinkles while the icing is still wet. The right garnish makes each bite more delightful and visually appealing.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic paired with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite warm tea. The comforting drink complements the chocolate sugar cookie’s richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gifting, stack them in a beautiful tin with parchment paper or arrange them on a decorative platter. You can also tie small bundles with twine for charming edible gifts that showcase how easy and fast it is to whip up these treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer sheets of parchment between them so they don’t stick together, preserving their soft yet crisp texture.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen or stored cookies warm, gently reheat them in a 300° F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their soft center while re-crisping the edges, giving you that just-out-of-the-oven joy any time.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can! Just omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting the cookies. Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning, but salted butter works in a pinch.

Do I have to chill the dough for these cookies?

No chilling required! The beauty of this recipe is you can roll out and bake the dough right away, which saves you time and makes spontaneous cookie cravings easier to satisfy.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

Whole wheat flour can be used but expect a denser, more textured cookie and a slightly nutty taste. You might want to start by substituting half of the all-purpose flour and see how you like the results.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and that your dough isn’t too warm when you roll it out. Also, baking at 350°F helps the edges set quickly so the cookies hold their shape well.

What can I use to decorate the cookies?

Royal icing, simple powdered sugar glaze, melted chocolate, or colorful sprinkles are all excellent options. Choose your favorite or get creative with multiple toppings to make your cookies unique.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about enjoying a batch of freshly baked chocolatey sugar cookies straight from your own oven, and these 30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies deliver that magic effortlessly. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is a game-changer for speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you ever waited to chill dough again!

30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 medium-sized cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 30 Minute No Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookies offer a quick and delicious twist on classic sugar cookies with rich cocoa flavor. Perfect for when you want a chocolaty treat without waiting for dough to chill, they bake up soft with a tender crumb and are ideal for decorating with your favorite icing.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour (360g)
1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened, 50g)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature, 227g)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (53g)
1/2 cup white sugar (100g)
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and white sugar. Cream on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the large egg and vanilla extract, then mix for another minute to incorporate fully.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the flour, allowing it to absorb slowly into the creamed mixture. Follow by adding the cocoa powder, baking powder, and kosher salt while still mixing.
Mix to Form Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue mixing until the dough is smooth and well-combined.
Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes, then carefully remove the excess dough around the shapes. Transfer the parchment paper with the cutouts onto the cookie sheets.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes if cookies are about 3 inches in diameter, or 8-9 minutes for smaller 2-inch cookies. Repeat rolling and cutting with leftover dough scraps.
Cool and Decorate: Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before decorating with easy cookie icing or royal icing as desired.

Notes

Do not chill the dough; this recipe is designed to bake immediately after mixing.
For even baking, make sure cookies are uniform in size and thickness.
Use parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Substitute kosher salt with regular table salt if needed, but reduce amount to 1/4 tsp to avoid oversalting.
To make icing, use simple powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice, or prepare royal icing with egg whites and powdered sugar for detailed decoration.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American