Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate chocolate cookie that delivers on softness and deep cocoa flavor every single bite, these Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies are absolutely your new go-to. With chewy edges, pillowy centers, and a sweet, sparkly coating, they strike the perfect balance between fudgy and light. Whether you want a cozy weeknight treat or a showstopper for your next cookie tray, these crowd-pleasers are about to make you everyone’s new favorite baker!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk simplicity: these classic ingredients work together in harmony to produce the rich taste, velvety texture, and beautiful color that set these cookies apart. Every element brings something special, making it easy to whip up a batch without fuss.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that gives your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies their tender crumb and structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers an intense, bittersweet chocolate flavor and that gorgeous dark cookie color.
- Baking soda: Ensures your cookies rise just enough for that soft-center magic.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavors like nothing else can.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and the melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
- Granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the dough and creates those sparkling, crackly sugar tops.
- Large egg: Adds structure and moisture to hold everything together.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate and rounds out the cookie’s flavor profile with warmth.
- Milk: Just a splash to ensure your dough comes together for the perfect soft texture.
How to Make Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lining your pans keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly, so don’t skip this step! Set yourself up for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so that the chocolate flavor and gentle rise reach every corner of each cookie.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is what gives your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies their irresistible texture, so take your time—about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer does the trick.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The egg enriches the dough, while vanilla draws out the best in your cocoa base.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry & Add Milk
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in batches, mixing gently after each addition. When your dough starts to come together, stir in the milk to bind it all. You’re looking for a soft, cohesive dough—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar for that iconic crunch and shimmer. Space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets so they have room to spread and bake up perfectly round.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8–10 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers stay soft and just a touch underdone. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them finish setting—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will be incredibly soft and irresistible!
How to Serve Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Dress your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies up with a dusting of powdered sugar, an extra drizzle of melted chocolate, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish. Feeling festive? Add a few chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles right before baking for extra flair.
Side Dishes
These cookies are divine on their own, but for a full dessert experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with hot coffee or a mug of rich hot chocolate for double-the-chocolate delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cookies into sandwich cookies by filling them with chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream. Stack them up and tie with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift, or plate with a variety of cookies for an irresistible cookie platter at your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies tender and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days—perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go treats throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these cookies freeze like a dream. Place fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when that chocolate craving hits!
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You’ll be rewarded with an extra-soft center and the smell of fresh chocolate that fills the kitchen all over again.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of natural cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Dutch-process cocoa will give your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies a deeper, darker chocolate color and a smoother flavor. Both kinds work beautifully, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Why do my cookies come out too flat?
If your cookies are spreading too much, your butter may have been too soft, or your dough may need a quick chill in the fridge before baking. Chilling for even 20 minutes helps keep them thick and pillowy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before shaping and rolling in sugar.
How can I make these cookies even more chocolatey?
For an ultra-decadent twist, gently fold in some chocolate chips or chunks to the dough, or press a few on top of each dough ball before baking. It adds an extra layer of chocolate and makes the Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies even more irresistible.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Definitely! Their soft and sturdy texture means they travel well in boxes or tins. Dress them up with a ribbon or pack in a festive container for a homemade gift everyone will remember.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bake up a batch of pure chocolate joy, these Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies are calling your name. It’s hard to beat a cookie that’s so easy, so absolutely rich, and so loved by kids and adults alike. Give them a try—one bite, and you might just have a new family favorite on your hands!
Print
Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies that are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. With a rich cocoa flavor and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in the milk.
- Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each ball in granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chocolatey cookies, press a few chocolate chips into the tops before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
