Linda CainLet’s start by talking about what goes wonderfully with chocolate sugar cookies. A steaming cup of coffee?
Absolutely! Or perhaps a glass of cold milk—classic and comforting. Ever considered pairing them with fresh strawberries? Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. I once had them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and let’s just say that was a revelatory experience.
The warm, crumbly texture of the cookie alongside the cold, creamy ice cream is nothing short of magic.
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Now, let me take you on a delightful journey into the world of chocolate sugar cookies. These little bites of heaven have a way of brightening any day. They are simple to whip up and packed with flavor.
The best part? They’re incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations.
I first stumbled upon this recipe while looking for something quick to please my sweet tooth. The combination of rich cocoa and a hint of cinnamon adds depth that elevates the classic sugar cookie to a whole new level.
Whether you’re bringing a treat to a gathering or just indulging yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed hit!
The beauty lies in using familiar ingredients in delightful ways. Butter adds richness, sugar brings sweetness, and chocolate cocoa creates that indulgent quality we all crave.
And let’s not forget about that warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as these cookies bake—there’s nothing quite like it!
What You Need to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious adventure:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
For Decorating
- Royal Icing or Easy Glaze Icing
- Colorful sprinkles
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring an even bake. You want those cookies to spread just right and become soft and chewy.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and white sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together.
This should take about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. It’s fascinating how this simple step can create such a delightful texture!
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Cinnamon
Next, crack that large egg into your butter and sugar concoction. Add in the pure vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
Beat the mixture until everything is well-combined, creating a lovely, creamy batter.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. I usually do this in three increments. Each addition helps maintain that fluffy texture. Stir gently until no dry lumps are visible. The rich color of the cocoa will amaze you.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is fully mixed, it’s time to scoop!
Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them enough space—about two inches apart—because they will spread slightly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them towards the end.
You want the edges to be firm but the center to still be soft. An underbaked cookie is honestly the way to go for that chewy texture!
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. When they’ve cooled completely, it’s decorating time! You can use royal icing or easy glaze icing—both work wonders.
Sprinkle on colorful sprinkles, and don’t forget to add those mini chocolate chips for some extra fun!
Recipe Notes
- Unsalted Butter: Softening it allows for better creaming and a fluffier cookie.
- White Sugar: This sweetener enhances the cookie’s sweetness and helps achieve that chewy texture.
- Egg: The egg adds moisture and binds the ingredients, ensuring that lovely soft center.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth of flavor, making every bite more aromatic.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice introduces warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- All-purpose Flour: It provides structure and stability to the dough.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Choose a high-quality brand for deep chocolate flavor; it will make a difference.
- Baking Soda: This ingredient acts as a leavening agent, providing slight lift.
- Fine Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall sweetness and balances flavors.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch.
- Minty Fun: Incorporate mint extract for a chocolate mint experience.
- Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate on top before decorating for extra decadence.
- Dried Fruits: Chopped dried cherries or cranberries can add a fruity twist.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate sugar cookies nutrition facts
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring an even bake. You want those cookies to spread just right and become soft and chewy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and white sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together.
- This should take about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. It’s fascinating how this simple step can create such a delightful texture!
- Next, crack that large egg into your butter and sugar concoction. Add in the pure vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
- Beat the mixture until everything is well-combined, creating a lovely, creamy batter.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
- Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. I usually do this in three increments. Each addition helps maintain that fluffy texture. Stir gently until no dry lumps are visible. The rich color of the cocoa will amaze you.
- Once the dough is fully mixed, it’s time to scoop!
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them enough space—about two inches apart—because they will spread slightly.
- Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them towards the end.
- You want the edges to be firm but the center to still be soft. An underbaked cookie is honestly the way to go for that chewy texture!
- Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. When they’ve cooled completely, it’s decorating time! You can use royal icing or easy glaze icing—both work wonders.
- Sprinkle on colorful sprinkles, and don’t forget to add those mini chocolate chips for some extra fun!
Nutrition
Notes
- Unsalted Butter: Softening it allows for better creaming and a fluffier cookie.
- White Sugar: This sweetener enhances the cookie’s sweetness and helps achieve that chewy texture.
- Egg: The egg adds moisture and binds the ingredients, ensuring that lovely soft center.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth of flavor, making every bite more aromatic.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice introduces warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- All-purpose Flour: It provides structure and stability to the dough.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Choose a high-quality brand for deep chocolate flavor; it will make a difference.
- Baking Soda: This ingredient acts as a leavening agent, providing slight lift.
- Fine Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall sweetness and balances flavors.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Just roll them into balls, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake them straight from the freezer; just add a minute or two.
4. What can I use instead of royal icing?
A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla can work brilliantly. Just whisk until smooth and use it to decorate!
5. What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading, resulting in a thicker cookie.
6. Can I add flavor extracts other than vanilla?
Definitely! Try almond extract for a nutty flavor or coffee extract for a rich, complex taste.
Conclusion
Chocolate sugar cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that can brighten any day. With a recipe that’s flexible and accommodating, you’ll find yourself making them time and time again.
I hope you enjoy crafting these cookies as much as I do. Remember to indulge in the process—baking is an art, and each cookie represents a tiny masterpiece. So grab your ingredients and get ready for some sweet fun! Happy baking!
