If you have a soft spot for classic treats with a chocolate twist, this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender cocoa cookies baked to perfection, topped with a luscious pink frosting and a sprinkle of fun, creating a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet bite, these cookies bring together rich chocolate flavor and cheerful presentation in a way that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to make a cookie that’s both tender and full of chocolatey goodness. Each component plays an important role, giving you that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that every cookie lover craves.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the tender crumb.
- Butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Milk (2%): Keeps the dough moist and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth.
- Egg: Provides structure and helps hold everything together perfectly.
- Flour: The foundation of the dough, ensuring a sturdy yet tender cookie.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs in that rich chocolate flavor and gives the dough a beautiful dark color.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly to a perfect soft texture.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder for the ideal rise and texture.
- Pink frosting: Adds a playful and sweet finish that contrasts wonderfully with the dark cookie.
- Sprinkles: For that extra pop of color and fun crunch.
How to Make Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by placing your softened butter and sugar into the bowl of your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy—this will create the perfect base for your cookie dough.
Step 2: Add Milk, Vanilla, and Egg
Next, mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and egg. These ingredients help bind the dough while adding moisture and that comforting vanilla note that complements the cocoa beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until everything is fully combined into a smooth dough with a rich chocolate color.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for approximately one hour. Chilling firms it up, making it much easier to roll out and cut into those charming heart shapes without sticking.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
When your dough is chilled and ready, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheets effortlessly.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Lightly flour a clean surface, such as a large cutting board, and roll out about one-third of your dough to roughly 1/8 inch in thickness. Use floured cookie cutters to stamp out your cookies—feel free to vary sizes and even cut out centers in a few for a cute peek-through effect.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the cut cookies on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about one inch apart. Bake in the oven for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set but still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, transfer the cookies immediately to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is crucial so that the frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
After cooling, spread your favorite pink frosting generously over each cookie and finish with a sprinkle or two for a festive touch. This finishing step adds color, sweetness, and that signature look that makes this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe so special.
How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way with garnishes! Besides sprinkles, you might add edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of white chocolate over the pink frosting. These small touches elevate your cookies from everyday treats to something truly eye-catching.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or your favorite hot chocolate. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a chocolatey delight that’s perfect any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your chocolate frosted cookies on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display at parties or gift them in cute boxes tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat. You can also sandwich frosting between two cookies for a fun twist on presentation and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering parchment paper between batches to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Stack them with parchment paper between layers, place the stack in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, gently reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the cookies too soft or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of frosting instead of pink frosting?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your frosting choice. Vanilla, cream cheese, or even chocolate frosting would work wonderfully with this recipe, giving you different flavor profiles while keeping the cookies delicious.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms up the butter and helps the cookies maintain their shape when baking, making them easier to handle and resulting in a better texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You sure can! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum to maintain structure. You might notice slight texture differences, but the cookies will still be delicious.
How do I store the cookies to keep the frosting from melting?
Store frosted cookies in a cool, dry place at room temperature and avoid stacking heavily. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can help, but make sure to bring cookies back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I double this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and chill it well before rolling. Also, you might need more baking sheets or bake in batches to ensure even baking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe a try because it genuinely brings joy with every bite. From the rich cocoa base to the sweet pink frosting and cheerful sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Baking these cookies fills your home with warmth and turns any moment into a celebration. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Delight in these rich and tender Chocolate Frosted Cookies, perfect for any occasion. With a soft cocoa-infused dough chilled for easy handling, cut into charming heart shapes, then baked to perfection and topped with sweet pink frosting and festive sprinkles, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that combines classic flavors with a fun, decorative twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup milk (2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Decoration
- Pink frosting
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the milk, vanilla extract, and egg into the creamed mixture, blending well to ensure the ingredients are fully combined and create a uniform batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Stir gently until all components are well blended and the dough forms a consistent chocolate base.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside to ensure an easy, non-stick baking surface.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface such as a large cutting board. Roll out one third of the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness, preparing it for cookie cutting.
- Cut Cookies: Flour your cookie cutters to prevent sticking. Cut the dough into heart shapes, including various sizes and some with cut-out centers for a decorative touch. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes or until they are just set and slightly firm to the touch, maintaining their shape and tenderness.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and preparing them for decoration.
- Decorate: Once cookies are completely cool, frost them with pink frosting and add sprinkles as desired to enhance their festive appearance and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier rolling and cleaner cookie shapes.
- You can substitute 2% milk with any milk of choice, including non-dairy options.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
