Chocolate Sugar Cookies
There’s something warm and inviting about the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Chocolate sugar cookies strike a perfect balance—sweet and rich, they are almost like a delicious hug in cookie form. If you’re on the hunt for a treat that will enchant both young and old alike, your search ends here. With their fudgy, chocolatey goodness and the added crunch from rolling them in sugar, these cookies are bound to become a household favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
- These cookies blend the best of both worlds: the sweetness of sugar cookies and the rich flavor of chocolate.
- They are simple to make, making them ideal for both baking beginners and seasoned pros.
- Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they bite into these delightful cookies.
Simple Way to Prepare Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Baking chocolate sugar cookies is a delightful process that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Follow these simple steps to create cookies that will be the star of any gathering.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, ensure you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step not only helps to distribute the cocoa but also ensures an even baking process.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and combine it with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. This creates the base of your cookie dough, providing moisture and flavor.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle here.
Form the Cookies: With your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls. After that, roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar until they are nicely coated.
Prepare for Baking: Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie because they will spread while baking.
Bake: Pop the tray into your preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the edges appear set and slightly crinkled.
Cool the Cookies: Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Sugar Cookies
To keep these delicious cookies fresh and flavorful, follow these helpful storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend their freshness slightly, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they’re well-contained to avoid absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Freezing: For longer storage, these chocolate sugar cookies freeze well. Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, layer parchment paper between cookies or freeze them in one layer before stacking.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Sugar Cookies
What pairs well with a warm chocolate sugar cookie? The choices are endless! Here are some creative serving ideas:
- Milk and Cookies: There’s nothing classic than serving these cookies with a cold glass of milk. The combination is pure nostalgia, bringing back memories of childhood.
- Coffee Break: If you prefer something more adult, try pairing your cookies with a robust cup of coffee or a cappuccino. The bitter notes of the coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cookies and Ice Cream: For a fun dessert twist, sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich. This works wonderfully with vanilla bean or chocolate ice cream.
- Decorative Presentation: Present them on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch when catering to guests.
Tips to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Here are a few key tips to find your path to cookie perfection:
- Perfect Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve the fluffiest texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out as they continue to firm up while cooling.
- Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft, refrigerating it for 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and roll.
Variations or Substitutions
If you want to take a different approach with your chocolate sugar cookies, consider these variations:
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Feeling indulgent? Fold in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough. This extra chocolate punch creates a delightfully gooey center.
- Nutty Flavor: Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Nuts can bring a wonderful texture that complements the soft cookie base.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls and bake fresh cookies as needed.
Q: What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
A: You could substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with carob powder for a different flavor profile, but the outcome will not be exactly the same. You will also need to adjust the sugar slightly since carob is sweeter than cocoa.
Q: How do I keep them soft?
A: To maintain soft cookies, avoid overbaking them, and store them with a slice of bread in the container. The moisture from the bread helps keep the cookies from drying out.
With these enchanting chocolate sugar cookies ready to be enjoyed, you’ll soon create memories filled with warmth, laughter, and delightful flavors. Whether you are sharing them with family and friends, or indulging in them solo, every bite will transport you to chocolatey bliss. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and rich chocolate sugar cookies that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Form the Cookies: Roll dough into small balls and then roll in granulated sugar.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set and slightly crinkled.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
For best results, keep an eye on baking time to avoid overbaking. Chilling the dough can help if it’s too soft.