Name: Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar (divided as 1 cup + 2 tablespoons); 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional); 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful twist on a classic sweet treat, this Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies combine the beloved buttery sweetness of traditional sugar cookies with the rich, deep flavor of cocoa, delivering a soft, cakey texture with just the right amount of chocolate punch. The subtle hint of coffee in the dough intensifies the chocolate notes without overpowering, making every bite irresistibly delicious and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay photo shows seven ingredients on a white marbled surface arranged in a loose circle. At the top left is a white bowl with a brown rim filled with white flour, while at the top center is a small plain white bowl filled with brown cocoa powder. At the top right, a white scalloped bowl contains granulated white sugar. Below the flour bowl on the left is a small white cup with amber vanilla extract. Near the center, a plain white dish holds two small piles of white baking powder and baking soda, and to its right is a small light beige bowl filled with reddish-brown cinnamon. On the right side is a plain white plate holding a block of pale butter. At the bottom center of the arrangement, a single brown egg lies directly on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and color in your Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the flour and cocoa powder that form the base to the sugar and butter that bring sweetness and richness.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the cookies.
½ cup cocoa powder: Offers that deep, chocolatey flavor and beautiful dark color.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft and fluffy.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens the dough and gives a slight crunch to the cookie’s outer layer.
1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder (optional): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle aromatic flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Setting these dry ingredients aside now will make the mixing process easy and quick later on.

Step 2: Creaming Butter, Sugar, and Coffee

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of the granulated sugar and instant coffee on medium-high speed. Cream until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it introduces air into the dough, resulting in soft and tender cookies.

Step 3: Mixing in Egg and Vanilla

Add your egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture, and continue mixing for another 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures everything is fully combined, creating a smooth and velvety dough base that will hold together beautifully.

Step 4: Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together and no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the dough can make cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Shaping and Sugaring the Cookies

Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar into a small bowl. Using a 1.5 tablespoon-sized spring-loaded cookie scoop, portion 9 dough balls onto each prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently roll each ball to smooth out and coat thoroughly in the sugar. This sugar coating gives a delightful crunch and a sparkling appearance once baked.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

Bake your chocolate sugar cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until they puff up in the center and the edges start to set. Resist the temptation to overbake! Let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

A metal baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds nine round dough balls spaced evenly apart. Each dough ball is dark brown with a slightly rough texture and is coated with a light dusting of white sugar crystals. The tray is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes on top of freshly baked cookies to contrast beautifully with the chocolate’s sweetness. You can also dust a little powdered sugar for an elegant look or add colorful sprinkles to brighten up any occasion.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a mug of hot cocoa to enhance the chocolate experience. Pairing them with fresh berries or a light fruit salad offers a refreshing counterbalance to their decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, stack your chocolate sugar cookies tied with a rustic twine bow or arrange them on a festive platter with edible flowers or mint leaves. They also make fantastic sandwich cookies when filled with a creamy vanilla or chocolate buttercream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chocolate sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will preserve their soft texture while keeping the edges beautifully crisp.

Freezing

The cookie dough can be frozen before baking. Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also microwave them briefly for 10 seconds, which helps soften the center while keeping the edges delightfully chewy.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee in this recipe?

Instant coffee or espresso powder is recommended because it blends seamlessly without adding moisture, enhancing chocolate flavor. Regular brewed coffee isn’t advised as it can alter the dough’s consistency.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No stand mixer? No problem! You can cream the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or even by hand with a sturdy spoon—just be sure to beat it until fluffy for the best texture.

Why do the cookies need to rest on the baking sheet after baking?

Allowing cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet helps them set properly so they don’t fall apart when you move them. It also lets residual heat finish the baking gently for perfect softness.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter brings essential richness and flavor, so substituting can affect taste and texture. Margarine is a closer substitute than oil, but for best results, stick to softened unsalted butter.

How do I make these cookies more chewy or more crispy?

For chewier cookies, try adding a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. To get crispier edges, bake a minute or two longer but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting and special about homemade cookies, and this Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe is a shining example of that. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it brings together the best of chocolate and sugar cookie worlds in a way that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and happiness it brings to your kitchen and beyond!