Description
Delicious and rich chocolate sugar cookies that are soft and slightly chewy, perfect for any occasion. These cookies feature a smooth cocoa flavor complemented by classic sugar sweetness, with optional toppings like sprinkles, powdered sugar, or chocolate glaze to enhance their festive appeal.
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 prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will take about 2-3 minutes, providing a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined to add moisture and flavor.
- 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 maintain cookie tenderness.
- Shape Cookies: Roll portions of dough into 1½-inch balls, then flatten them slightly with your hand or a spatula. Space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch before baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Careful not to overbake to keep the cookies tender.
- 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 cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies; mix just until combined.
- Check cookies a minute or two before the recommended bake time to prevent overbaking as oven temperatures may vary.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- The optional toppings add flair but can be omitted for a classic chocolate sugar cookie.
