.png)
Of All The Chocolate Sugar Cookie Recipes, This Is The BEST!
- Trendy Mint
- Nov 28, 2024
- 9 min read
What’s the Secret to Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookie Recipes?
The Chocolate Sugar Cookie Recipe You’ll Never Forget
Have you ever spent hours hunting for the perfect chocolate sugar cookie recipe, only to end up with dough that sticks, cookies that spread, or flavors that just… fall flat? Ugh, same. Been there, done that, and let me tell you, it’s soul-crushing to watch your perfectly planned cookies puff into unrecognizable blobs.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below to get notified when we post our article about stamping cookies! (It will be on YouTube also, find me here)
But I’ve got a secret: I found the one. The chocolate sugar cookie recipe that checks every box—no chill time, no spread, and absolutely bursting with rich, chocolatey flavor. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s as soft as your favorite blanket and as bold as your morning coffee. Bonus? It’s effortless to whip up, even when your kitchen looks like a cookie-cutter crime scene.
This recipe is my go-to for flawless, gorgeous cookies every single time, whether I’m icing up some intricate designs or just indulging in a sweet, chocolate fix. Are you ready to fall in love with chocolate sugar cookies all over again? Let’s dive in and get baking.
(Spoiler: You’ll never need another recipe. Pinky promise.)
You'll find step by step instructions for these Chocolate Sugar Cookies in the video below!
What Makes This Chocolate Sugar Cookie Recipe the Best?
Let’s be real—there are a lot of chocolate sugar cookie recipes out there, and they all make big promises. I've tried my fair share of chocolate sugar cookie recipes and with some tweeking, I've created my absolute favorite!:
No Chill, No Spread: Forget waiting hours for dough to firm up in the fridge. With this recipe, you’re rolling and cutting cookies before your oven even finishes preheating. And the best part? Your cookies will hold their shape beautifully, making it a decorator’s dream.
Next-Level Flavor: This isn’t your average chocolate cookie. The use of a quality dutch-processed cocoa brings the rich, deep chocolate notes, while a dash of instant coffee sneaks in to amplify every bite. (I'm officially sold on this flavor combo!)
Soft but Sturdy: These cookies strike the perfect balance—soft enough to melt in your mouth, but strong enough to hold up to the wildest royal icing designs.
Baker-Friendly: Whether it’s your first batch of cookies or your fiftieth, this recipe is foolproof. No weird techniques, no guessing games, just simple steps that lead to cookie perfection. Using basic ingredients, you likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.
The Best Ever Chocolate Roll Out Sugar Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about making cookies—it’s about making moments. Think birthday parties, rainy-day baking, or just a random Tuesday pick-me-up. These cookies are more than just dessert; they’re memories in the making. Ready to create your own? Let’s keep going.
The Secret Ingredients That Make These Chocolate Sugar Cookies Perfect
(I may earn a small commission from any links contained in this article without any additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use myself and I love.)
Let’s talk about what really sets this recipe apart: the ingredients. Sure, every chocolate sugar cookie recipe has the usual suspects, but the magic is in the details. Here’s why each component plays a starring role in creating cookies that are nothing short of perfection:
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature but not overly softened—this is the key to achieving that smooth, creamy texture when you cream it with sugar. Pro tip: it should hold its shape, not melt into a puddle. Use REAL butter.
Granulated Sugar: The perfect sweetener for structure and just the right level of sweetness.
Eggs & Vanilla Extract: These two ingredients bring everything together, adding moisture and a hint of warm, aromatic flavor. You really can't beat my favorite vanilla extract! It's sooooo good!
Instant Coffee Granules: The secret weapon. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the coffee—it’s here to boost the cocoa’s boldness, making the chocolate flavor truly shine.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use the good stuff. High-quality cocoa makes all the difference, giving these cookies a rich, indulgent flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it. Try to find a cocoa powder that says "Dutch-processed"
Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt: The dream team for structure, a touch of rise, and balance.
With these ingredients combined, you’re not just making cookies—you’re creating chocolate masterpieces. Ready to see how it all comes together? Let’s dive into the step-by-step directions.
Step-by-Step Directions for Chocolate Sugar Cookie Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens—step by step, I’ll walk you through how to create the ultimate chocolate sugar cookies. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together your unsalted butter and sugar. This step is everything. You’re not just mixing; you’re building the foundation for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure there are no sneaky lumps of butter hiding.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules until the granules dissolve. Then add this mixture to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is beautifully combined, scraping the bowl as you go.
3. Sift the Dry Ingredients
Normally, I'm not a sifter (even when a recipe calls for it) but I think it's a must for this recipe. No one wants to bite into a lump of pure cocoa when they're enjoying this sweet treat.
Grab another bowl and sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your dough is smooth and lump-free. Add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Your dough should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl—don’t overmix!
Try not to sample too much of the dough 😉
4. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 3/8 inch thick. For perfectly shaped cookies, use a sturdy cookie cutter and make sure to flour it between cuts. Pro tip: rolling the dough evenly ensures consistent baking.
5. Cut and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your cut cookies on the sheet, leaving a little room between them. Bake for 9-12 minutes, keeping a close eye—as soon as the shine leaves your cookie, they're done. Let them cool completely on the cookie sheet. I like to apply my royal icing onto slightly warm cookies, this is a great time to go ahead and do that.
6. Decorate or Devour
Now’s the fun part! Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar. Or, if you’re anything like me, sneak one straight from the cooling rack for a little quality control.
And that’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve got cookies that not only taste incredible but also look professional enough to wow at any event. Whether you’re baking for fun or prepping for a cookie-decorating marathon, this recipe delivers every time.
Ready to take your cookies to the next level? Keep reading for some pro decorating tips!
Pro Tips for Decorating Your Chocolate Sugar Cookies Like a Pro
Once your chocolate sugar cookies have cooled, it’s time to let your creativity shine. Decorating these beauties is where the fun truly begins! Whether you’re a seasoned cookie artist or just getting started, these tips will help you create stunning designs that’ll impress anyone lucky enough to snag a bite.
1. Start with a Smooth Canvas
These cookies bake up flat and sturdy, making them perfect for decorating. If you notice any rough edges, gently sand them down with a fine grater for a polished look.
For intricate designs, royal icing is your best friend. Outline your cookie first, then flood the inside with thinner icing. Use a toothpick or scribe tool to smooth out the surface and pop any air bubbles.
3. Add Dimension with Layers
Want that wow factor? Try out using royal icing transfers. They are easily made by piping royal icing onto a non-stick surface, letting them dry and then applying to your cookie. Learn more about royal icing transfers and where to find free pdf downloadable templates by clicking here.
4. Experiment with Colors
Chocolate cookies are a gorgeous base for bright, bold colors. Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant shades that pop against the rich, dark cookie. Metallic accents like gold or silver can add an extra touch of elegance.
5. Sprinkles and Edible Glitter
When in doubt, sprinkle it out! Sprinkles, edible glitter, and metallic dragees are quick and easy ways to add texture and shine without extra effort.
6. Keep It Simple (Sometimes)
Not every cookie needs to be a masterpiece. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can be just as striking, especially for casual treats or last-minute projects.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t stress if your first designs aren’t bakery-perfect. Decorating is all about experimenting and having fun. Plus, you’ll get to eat the “oops” cookies—win-win!
No matter your decorating style, these chocolate sugar cookies are a fantastic canvas for your art and will be delicious whether they are decorated or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out, as chilled dough can be a bit firm to work with.
2. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Yes! To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. If freezing baked cookies, let them cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months.
3. What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
A high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder is key. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deeper chocolate flavor and a darker color, which is perfect for this recipe. Brands like Valrhona or Ghirardelli are great options.
4. Do I really need the instant coffee granules?
No but you'll FOREVER regret not trying it. Hear me out—it won’t taste like coffee! The granules enhance the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more intense. If you absolutely can’t use coffee, feel free to skip it. I've been one to disregard the "coffee + cocoa" recommendation in the past but I'm a true believer in the combo now!
5. How do I keep my cookies from spreading?
Good news: This recipe is already designed to prevent spreading! Just make sure your butter isn’t too soft and avoid overmixing the dough. Using a parchment-lined baking sheet also helps.
The Best Ever Chocolate Sugar Cookie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Servings: I rolled mine out to 3/8 inch and I got 18 cookies from a 3 inch square cookie cutter.
1 1/4 c unsalted butter - room temperature but not softened
1 1/2 c (300g) Sugar
2 large eggs
1 t Vanilla Extract
2 t instant coffee granules
3 1/2 c (420 grams) Flour
2/3 c (65g) Unsweetened Cocoa (recommend a good quality brand)
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
Pre-Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, Cream together the butter and sugar so there are no remaining lumps of butter, scrape the bowl. Make sure to scrape down your bowl between each step.
In a bowl, combine eggs, vanilla and coffee granules, mix until granules dissolve and then add to the mixing bowl.
Sift together: Flour, Cocoa, Baking Powder and Salt, Then add this to the mixing bowl.
Mix until just combined, it should be pulling away from the bowl. Be sure not to over-mix. 5. Roll out on a lightly floured surface.
Using a floured cookie-cutter, cut out shapes and place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 9-11 minutes. You'll know they're done when the top of the cookie has no shine.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate chocolate sugar cookie recipe that’s guaranteed to become your new favorite. With its rich flavor, no-chill convenience, and flawless results every time, this recipe isn’t just another addition to your collection—it’s the one. Whether you’re decorating cookies for a special occasion or baking just because (honestly, the best reason), these cookies deliver in every way.
So what are you waiting for? Dust off your rolling pin, preheat that oven, and dive in! I can’t wait to see what you create—tag me on Instagram @trendydecoratedcookies so I can cheer you on and share your stunning creations. Remember, every cookie you bake isn’t just a treat—it’s a little moment of joy waiting to happen.
Happy baking, and don’t forget to snag a taste test for yourself. You’ve earned it! 🍪✨
Comentarios