Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Chocolate Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly takes you to your happy place. Imagine: a soft, fudgy center with that classic sugar-crisp edge, the deep flavor of chocolate highlighted by a touch of coffee, and a glossy sugar coating that sparkles in the cookie jar. Whether you serve these at a family gathering or just bake a batch for yourself on a rainy afternoon, these cookies are pure comfort and a little bit of magic baked right in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Chocolate Sugar Cookies is surprisingly short, but each one is crucial for nailing that irresistible flavor and tender bite. These pantry staples work together to deliver the perfect balance of rich chocolate, subtle sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives these cookies just the right amount of chew.
- Cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor for that dreamy, brownie-like core.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies puff up, keeping them soft instead of dense.
- Salt: A little bit wakes up all those cozy flavors and prevents things from tasting flat.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to richness and delicate crumb—make sure it’s truly soft for the best results.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and that all-important sparkly edge.
- Instant coffee (or espresso powder, optional): Enhances chocolate’s depth—don’t worry, your cookies won’t taste like coffee, just richer!
- Large egg (room temperature): Holds everything together and creates dreamy tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F, and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Lining the pans not only keeps your cookies from sticking but also helps them bake evenly—and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting these together ensures you won’t get any lumps of cocoa or flour, so your Chocolate Sugar Cookies come out smooth every time.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Coffee
In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer), add the softened butter, one cup of sugar, and that instant coffee or espresso powder if you’re using it. Cream them together on medium-high speed for about three minutes. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture—that’s when you know the sugar has worked its magic!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix for two to three minutes, until everything is completely blended, and the batter looks rich and creamy. This step builds structure for the cookies and adds a subtle layer of flavor.
Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir on low speed just until there are no streaks of flour left. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as it all comes together—soft and chocolatey.
Step 6: Ready Your Sugar Coating
Pour the remaining two tablespoons of sugar into a small bowl. This is the secret to those signature sparkly tops. You’ll be rolling each dough ball in this before baking.
Step 7: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, spacing nine scoops onto each prepared baking sheet. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball, then gently roll in the sugar to coat. This sugar crust means every bite of your Chocolate Sugar Cookies comes with satisfying texture!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The magic moment is when they’re puffed in the middle and set around the edges but still soft—don’t overbake! Let the cookies cool for just a minute on the tray, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This keeps the centers wonderfully fudgy!
How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, or even a few mini chocolate chips melting on top can take your Chocolate Sugar Cookies from delicious to unforgettable. If you want a little extra sparkle, a brush of edible glitter or colored sugar works beautifully for holidays and parties.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, a mug of rich hot chocolate, or even a cold brew coffee for a truly indulgent treat. If you’re serving them at a festive gathering, they sit perfectly next to bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Chocolate Sugar Cookies make stunning edible gifts: stack them and tie with twine, or tuck them into a decorative box lined with parchment. For dessert platters, combine them with shortbread, truffles, or your favorite holiday confections for a showstopping spread. You can even sandwich a scoop of ice cream or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for a decadent “whoopie pie” effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Their texture stays soft and fudgy, and they honestly taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked, sugar-coated dough balls and bake fresh as needed—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time if baking straight from frozen.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey center, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-12 seconds before serving. It will taste just like it came out of the oven, with that dreamy softness that makes Chocolate Sugar Cookies irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Sugar Cookies without the instant coffee?
Absolutely! The instant coffee is optional. Its job is to intensify the chocolate flavor, but if you don’t have any or prefer not to use it, your cookies will still turn out absolutely delicious.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
A good quality unsweetened natural cocoa powder is ideal for Chocolate Sugar Cookies. You can experiment with Dutch-process cocoa for a darker color and richer taste, but standard cocoa gives great results every time!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for puffed centers and set edges. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out—this creates that rich, tender texture. Overbaking will make the cookies crunchy instead of soft.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd or want extra to freeze. Just be sure to use large baking sheets and rotate them in the oven for even baking.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your butter was too warm or you creamed it too long, the cookies may spread more. Try chilling the dough balls for 15 minutes before baking, especially if your kitchen runs warm—it helps them hold their shape beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Chocolate Sugar Cookies fit the bill every single time. They’re easy, ridiculously delicious, and beautifully versatile. I hope you give them a try—don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Chocolate Sugar Cookies that are perfect for any chocolate lover. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of cocoa goodness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee (or espresso powder, optional)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together softened butter, 1 cup of sugar, and instant coffee until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate flour mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Coat dough in sugar: Roll dough into balls, then coat each in the remaining sugar.
- Bake: Place dough balls on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
- For a deeper coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Chocolate Sugar Cookies, Dessert, Chocolate, Cookies, Baking
