Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for these Chocolate Sugar Cookies—a heavenly blend of rich chocolate flavor and the sparkly crunch of sweet sugar. Each bite is soft, chewy, and deeply chocolatey, with a distinctly bakery-style texture that makes them absolutely irresistible. Perfect for everything from festive gatherings to solo cocoa breaks, these cookies deliver maximum joy with minimal fuss. If you’re craving a homemade treat that will disappear faster than you can say “chocolate,” this is the recipe you need!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Sugar Cookies recipe plays a specific role in creating soft, chocolatey cookies with a delicate crunch. While the list might look simple, each item brings its own magic that makes these cookies a standout treat.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure and chew, making them sturdy yet tender.
• Cocoa powder: Delivers that rich, deep chocolate flavor and gorgeous dark color—go for high-quality for best results!
• Baking soda: Adds lift and helps the cookies get perfectly puffy as they bake.
• Baking powder: Partnering with the soda, it ensures the cookies have just the right amount of rise.
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a soft, creamy dough and lends a buttery richness to every bite.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
• Large egg: Brings everything together and adds a bit of structure and tenderness.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture, ensuring the cookies are delightfully soft and chewy.
• Vanilla extract: A flavor booster that enhances both chocolate and sweetness; don’t skip it!
• Sparkling decorator’s sugar (for rolling): The secret to that beautiful, signature crunch and shine.

How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by giving your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt a good whisk in a medium mixing bowl. This blends all the leaveners and makes sure the cocoa is evenly distributed, so every cookie is chocolatey from edge to edge.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer or a large bowl with your hand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture looks creamy and pale—about 2 minutes. This process traps air, ensuring your Chocolate Sugar Cookies bake up soft with a lovely crumb.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg

Add the egg and continue mixing until it vanishes into the dough. This step brings the mixture together and contributes to the tender texture we all love in a good cookie.

Step 4: Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, then give it another quick mix. These liquids add extra moisture and flavor, rounding out the taste of your cookie dough beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now gently add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until you no longer see streaks of flour—overmixing can make your cookies tough, so keep it brief and gentle.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

This is the hardest part: cover the dough and chill it for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. Chilling solidifies the butter and hydrates the flour, preventing spreading and creating that signature thick, chewy texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Once you’re ready to bake, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. These little details make sure your Chocolate Sugar Cookies bake evenly and lift off the tray with ease.

Step 8: Roll in Sparkling Sugar

Scoop the chilled dough into 1 ½ tablespoon balls. Pour your decorator’s sugar into a small bowl, then dip one side of each dough ball into the sugar. Place the balls, sugar side facing up, onto the baking sheets with at least 2 inches between each.

Step 9: Bake

Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 8 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for puffed tops that look just set—don’t overbake, as the cookies will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly, so you get that irresistible chewy middle with a crisp sugared edge.

How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle the warm cookies with a pinch of extra sparkling sugar or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Chocolate shavings or a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate can also add a gourmet touch. The sparkle makes these Chocolate Sugar Cookies look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a mug of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience. Hot cocoa makes a cozy partner on chilly days, while a side of fresh strawberries cuts through the richness in the most refreshing way.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these Chocolate Sugar Cookies into sweet sandwich cookies by spreading marshmallow fluff or espresso buttercream between two cookies. For parties, stack them on a pretty platter with a few colorful berries or use them as edible gift toppers wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with string—the sparkling tops shine like jewelry!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooled Chocolate Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Store a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their soft, chewy texture—that’s a classic baker’s trick you’ll love!

Freezing

To freeze, portion out dough balls and place them (without the sugar coating) on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, roll in sparkling sugar as usual and bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

If your cookies have been stored or frozen, warm them in a 300 degree F oven for about 3-5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste and texture. This trick makes the sugar sparkle and the chocolate aroma irresistible all over again.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa will give your Chocolate Sugar Cookies a slightly deeper color and a milder, smoother chocolate flavor. Either natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder works beautifully, so use what you have or prefer.

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling allows the dough to firm up, which helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that fantastically chewy center. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much and lose their thick, soft texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely—just swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have rich, chocolatey cookies everyone can enjoy.

How do I prevent the cookies from being dry?

Be sure not to overbake! The cookies should look just set when you pull them from the oven, and they’ll continue firming up as they cool. Measuring flour lightly and precisely also helps keep the dough perfectly soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s actually encouraged! You can make and chill the dough for up to 2 days before baking or freeze dough balls for even longer storage. This makes planning for parties or busy weeks super easy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about a batch of homemade Chocolate Sugar Cookies—one bite and you’ll understand why they always disappear in my house. Whether you’re baking with kids, treating yourself, or dazzling at a cookie swap, these cookies will bring joy (and plenty of requests for your secret recipe). Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and let the chocolatey cookie adventure begin!

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