Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Chocolate Sugar Cookies, perfect for any chocolate lover. Combining cocoa powder and classic sugar cookie ingredients, these cookies bake to a soft center with slightly crisp edges. Customize them with fun toppings like sprinkles, powdered sugar, or a luscious chocolate glaze for an extra special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate glaze
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle the cookie dough balls with sprinkles or other toppings before baking for a fun and colorful touch.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Be careful not to overbake for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Once cool, optionally dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Do not overbake to ensure a soft and chewy cookie texture.
- You can substitute butter with margarine for a dairy-free option, but flavor and texture may vary.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder.
- To make chocolate glaze, melt chocolate chips with a little butter or cream and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
