If you’re a chocolate lover, these Chocolate Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Soft, chewy, and packed with deep cocoa flavor, they’re the perfect blend of classic sugar cookie sweetness and rich chocolate decadence.
Each bite melts in your mouth with that irresistible balance of sweetness and dark chocolate notes. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, gifting friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver bakery-level flavor with simple, everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfectly tender centers with slightly crisp edges.
- Deep Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder adds a rich, fudgy taste that chocolate fans adore.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples you likely already have at home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be chilled up to two days in advance.
- Great for Holidays or Everyday Treats: Dress them up with sparkling sugar for a festive touch.
Ingredient Breakdown
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the cookies and ensures a soft, chewy texture.
Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; use unsweetened cocoa for best results.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Help the cookies rise and stay soft.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
Unsalted Butter – Creates a tender, buttery crumb and rich taste.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps the edges crisp.
Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
Whole Milk – Keeps the cookies soft and prevents dryness.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
Sparkling Decorator’s Sugar – Gives each cookie a festive, sugary crunch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Chill the dough: This prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
- Use quality cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa creates deeper color and flavor.
- Don’t overbake: The centers should look slightly soft when removed; they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Uniform size: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake perfectly.
- Extra sparkle: Roll cookies twice in sugar for a glittery finish.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in mini or dark chocolate chips for double chocolate cookies.
- Espresso twist: Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor.
- Peppermint flavor: Mix in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract for a festive holiday version.
- Frosted version: Spread cream cheese frosting on cooled cookies for a decadent treat.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Sugar Cookies are perfect for every occasion:
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or cup of hot coffee.
- Arrange on a holiday dessert platter with sugar cookies and brownies.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Wrap in cellophane bags for holiday gifting or party favors.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare dough and refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Freezing baked cookies: Cool completely and freeze up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Sugar cookies date back to the 1700s in Pennsylvania, but the chocolate version adds a modern, decadent twist. By incorporating cocoa powder into the classic dough, bakers created a richer, fudgier cookie that satisfies any chocolate craving while maintaining the beloved sugar cookie texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I skip chilling the dough?
No—chilling is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin.
Can I use dark cocoa powder?
Yes! Dark or Dutch-process cocoa adds a deeper chocolate flavor and darker color.
Why are my cookies flat?
Likely from warm dough or overmixing. Always chill dough thoroughly and mix only until combined.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This dough scales well for larger batches.
Can I add nuts or fillings?
Yes—try chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a caramel center for variety.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and mix again until smooth.
- Add the milk and vanilla and mix again until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls, dip one side in decorator’s sugar, and place sugar-side up on prepared sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
- Bake for 8–11 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and mostly set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 8–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
