If there’s any treat that perfectly captures the magic of cozy afternoons and chocolatey delight, it’s Chocolate Sugar Cookies. With their soft, chewy texture and the unmistakable depth of cocoa, these cookies strike an irresistible balance — not too rich, never too sweet, and always ready to brighten up any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself (you totally deserve it!), this recipe for Chocolate Sugar Cookies is destined to become a forever favorite in your kitchen.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these simple pantry staples and you’ll see how each ingredient brings something special to your cookies—crunchy edges, tender centers, and that beautiful chocolate color. Every item plays a key role, so try not to substitute if you want the full, classic experience!

Unsalted butter, softened: The gateway to a creamy, tender texture and a buttery backbone that ties all the flavors together.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates those signature sparkly exteriors when used for rolling.
Large egg: Binds everything and adds just the right amount of richness for a soft bite.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the chocolatey notes with irresistible warmth.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure without heaviness, keeping the cookies tender yet sturdy.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and that iconic dark hue.
Baking soda: Gives your cookies a bit of lift so the centers stay soft and chewy.
Baking powder: Boosts the rise and keeps the cookies beautifully thick.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes every chocolatey element really pop.
Additional granulated sugar, for rolling: The secret to those glittering, crackly tops that make these cookies look bakery-fancy.

How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking, but it also helps your Chocolate Sugar Cookies bake up with perfect bottoms every time. Your future self will thank you for skipping the cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar. You’ll want the mixture pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step locks in just the right amount of air, making your cookies beautifully soft yet chewy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is fully incorporated. A good blend here means each bite is evenly delicious, and the cookies get that rich, almost fudgy flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures there are no pockets of baking soda or cocoa; you want everything evenly distributed for perfect flavor and rise.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in a few additions. Stir just until the last bit of flour disappears—overmixing can toughen your cookies! At this point, if you want to sneak in chocolate chips or chunks, fold them in gently.

Step 6: Shape, Roll, and Arrange

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, then roll each one in that extra granulated sugar for sparkle. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart so they have room to spread. Give each one a gentle press with your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will look a bit soft—that’s how you get that irresistibly chewy texture. Let your Chocolate Sugar Cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Warm or at room temp, they’re just as dreamy!

How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle? After baking, try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-dusted look, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for contrast. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving also does wonders for highlighting that deep cocoa flavor.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk is a classic, but these cookies pair beautifully with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a chilled espresso. For a party platter, add fresh strawberries or wedges of orange for a pop of color and bright, fruity notes to balance all that chocolaty goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for gifts, or sandwich them around a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for an impromptu dessert. For festive occasions, shape the dough with cookie cutters or press a few colorful sprinkles into the tops before baking—let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Sugar Cookies will stay soft and fresh for several days if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Toss in a piece of bread with them if you want to keep them ultra-moist—the cookies will absorb just enough moisture to stay chewy without getting soggy.

Freezing

Want to stash a few for a rainy day? These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze the baked cookies in zip-top bags or airtight containers for up to three months. You can also freeze dough balls—just thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and bake as directed for fresh-from-the-oven flavor anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy that “just-baked” coziness, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll taste like it came right out of the oven, with all the gooey, chocolatey magic preserved.

FAQs

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder in this recipe?

Absolutely! Dutch-process cocoa will give your Chocolate Sugar Cookies a slightly darker color and a smoother, more mellow chocolate flavor. Either natural or Dutch-process works well—just use what you love or have on hand.

Why do I need to roll the dough in sugar before baking?

Rolling the dough in sugar creates that signature, sparkly crust and a light crunch when you bite in. It’s a simple step, but it elevates the texture and appearance, making the cookies truly special.

Can I add chocolate chips or chunks?

Definitely! Stir in up to a cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for an extra boost of melty pockets throughout your Chocolate Sugar Cookies. White, milk, or dark all taste amazing!

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The secret to the perfect texture is pulling the cookies out when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. They’ll keep baking slightly after they come out of the oven, so resist the urge to overbake.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The results are just as delicious, and no one will ever suspect they’re gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that’s delightfully chocolaty, easy to whip up, and always crowd-pleasing, these Chocolate Sugar Cookies check every box. Give them a try—you’ll fall head over heels after just one soft, cocoa-rich bite!

Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these rich, chocolatey sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional:

Additional granulated sugar for rolling

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Shape and Bake: Form tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll in granulated sugar, place on baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 9–11 minutes.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra richness, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the dough.
These cookies freeze well and maintain their softness when stored in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American