Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the best of both worlds—crispy edges and fudgy centers—then this Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These delightful cookies are full of rich chocolate flavor, making them a favorite in my household. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight snack or for a family gathering, this recipe is quick, simple, and sure to impress. I love how they can be made without any chill time, so you can whip them up anytime the chocolate craving strikes!

The best part? These delicious treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all by yourself (I won’t tell!). Let’s dive into why this Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe stands out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you won’t have to wait long to enjoy these cookies!
• Deliciously versatile: You can customize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it comes to rolling the dough in sugar.
• Perfect for any occasion: From casual weeknights to special celebrations, these cookies fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For these chocolate sugar cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (I like Hershey’s Special Dark)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Rolling

• 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar, for rolling dough

For Extra Chocolatey Goodness

• 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli)
• 1 teaspoon coconut or vegetable oil

Variations

This Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Mix in spices: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can elevate the flavor profile.
• Go festive: Add red and green sprinkles during holidays for a fun twist.
• Make it minty: Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing change.

How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by creaming together the room-temperature butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavorings

Next, add in your large egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Mixing these ingredients together will enhance the cookie’s flavor while keeping it moist. Make sure everything is fully incorporated before moving on!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our cookies soft!

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part—folding in those luscious chocolate chips! Use a spatula to gently mix them into the dough, ensuring each bite will have plenty of melty goodness.

Step 5: Shape and Roll

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out about two tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on a lined baking sheet. This gives them that lovely sugary crust!

Step 6: Bake

Bake your cookies for about 10 minutes until they’re set around the edges but still soft in the center. The residual heat will continue cooking them even after they come out of the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

And there you have it—delicious homemade chocolate sugar cookies ready to be enjoyed! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll create the perfect batch of cookies every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and egg to come to room temperature ensures they incorporate smoothly into the dough, leading to a better texture and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your cookies will be.
• Sift cocoa powder: Sifting not only removes lumps but also aerates the cocoa, giving your cookies a lighter texture and richer chocolate flavor.
• Roll in sugar before baking: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds an appealing crunch to the outside of the cookies while creating a beautiful sparkle.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate chips! This customization can make your cookies uniquely delicious and fun.

How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

These chocolate sugar cookies are not only delightful on their own but can also be dressed up for any occasion or served alongside complementary treats!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over cooled cookies for an elegant touch that makes them even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter: A colorful assortment of berries or sliced apples provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor and adds a healthy element.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert.
• Vanilla almond milkshake: The creaminess of this shake complements the fudgy centers of the cookies, making for a decadent treat.
• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream alongside these warm cookies creates a classic dessert duo that’s hard to resist.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your delightful chocolate sugar cookies in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe is fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime you want! You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store baked cookies for future cravings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
• Baked cookies can also be frozen; just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy them warm with a glass of your favorite non-dairy milk!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

Can I use different types of sugar in this Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or cane sugar if desired. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How do I achieve a perfectly chewy texture with my Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe?

To ensure chewy cookies, avoid overbaking. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked—this will help retain moisture!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to my Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even candies to customize the cookies to your liking.

What should I do if my chocolate chips melt during baking?

If your chocolate chips melt, that’s just fine! It will create a delicious fudgy texture throughout your cookies. If you prefer intact chips, you can gently press some on top right before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about baking these delightful Chocolate Sugar Cookies! They’re not only simple but also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the rich chocolatey goodness and share them with loved ones; there’s nothing quite like homemade treats to brighten someone’s day. Happy baking!