Chocolate Sugar Cookies
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful cookie that combines the classic charm of sugar cookies with the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate, then look no further! Chocolate sugar cookies are a sweet treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon at home. With their soft texture and delightful powdered sugar coating, these cookies are bound to be a hit with family and friends alike!
Why Make This Recipe
- Chocolate sugar cookies offer a perfect blend of sweetness and richness not found in traditional sugar cookies.
- They’re versatile for any gathering, whether it’s a birthday celebration or just an everyday treat.
- Simple to make and utterly mesmerizing, these cookies will elevate your baking game to a whole new level.
Making Chocolate Sugar Cookies at Home
Baking these delectable chocolate sugar cookies is a straightforward process that even beginners can master. Let’s break down the steps into a detailed guide to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the preparation, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these mouthwatering cookies.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect soft-baked texture.Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour and cocoa.Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a light texture.Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together, resulting in a delicious and stable cookie dough.Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Then, roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives the cookies a beautiful, snowy appearance and adds a touch of sweetness.Baking
Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies will spread slightly and develop a nice crinkle on top.Cool and Enjoy
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period allows them to firm up without becoming overcooked.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Sugar Cookies
To keep your chocolate sugar cookies fresh and delectable, follow these simple storage guidelines:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For an extended shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 1 week at 40°F.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies
These chocolate sugar cookies can be served in various fun and creative ways:
- On Their Own: Enjoy them straight from the pan for a delightful treat.
- With Milk or Coffee: Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a classic combination.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between for an indulgent dessert.
- Decorated: Get creative by adding festive frosting or colorful sprinkles for special occasions.
Tips to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Tip 1: Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with the sugars.
- Tip 2: Don’t skip the powdered sugar rolling—this adds a lovely texture and sweetness.
- Tip 3: Make sure not to overbake; you want them slightly soft in the center for that perfect bite!
Variations or Substitutions
If you want to mix things up, consider these fun variations:
- Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to infuse a delicious minty flavor. This works especially well around the holidays!
- Spicy Chocolate: For those who enjoy a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a warm, spicy undertone.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just roll into balls and roll in powdered sugar just before baking.
Q: Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
A: Yes, coconut oil can be used instead of butter, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. Make sure it’s softened before mixing.
Q: How do I know when these cookies are done baking?
A: The edges should look set and the tops will have a crinkled appearance. They might look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Additional Considerations
While chocolate sugar cookies are delicious on their own, you may want to think about any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. For instance, if you’re serving children or guests with nut allergies, always check your ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional value of your treats can help you enjoy them more mindfully. Typically, each chocolate sugar cookie has approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
Always keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
What to Serve With Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Pair your chocolate sugar cookies with these delightful accompaniments:
- Hot Chocolate: Top your cookies with whipped cream or marshmallows for a warm, comforting combination.
- Fruit: Fresh berries or slices of strawberries can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Create a dessert cheese platter that includes your cookies alongside some creamy cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for a unique offering.
By following this guide to chocolate sugar cookies, you’ll find yourself creating a batch that impresses everyone. With warm, chocolaty goodness and the kind of texture that leaves you reaching for another, these cookies might just become a staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl and let your kitchen fill with the heavenly scent of baking cookies!
Print
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful chocolate sugar cookies with a rich flavor and a powdered sugar coating, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Place dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing cookies to cool on racks afterward.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.