If you’re a true chocolate lover, get ready to meet your new favorite treat: Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies. Picture the classic, tender sugar cookie you crave, but with a deep, bold chocolate twist that satisfies every cocoa craving. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth softness, making them just as welcome at a holiday cookie swap as they are alongside your afternoon coffee. Whether it’s for gifting, sharing, or savoring all to yourself, there’s something magical about pulling a tray of these cookies out of the oven. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s magic in simplicity, and that’s exactly what you get with these core ingredients. Each one plays its role in flavor, texture, and color, helping our Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies become a crowd-pleasing favorite.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Creates that lush, tender texture and carries the chocolate flavor right to your tastebuds.
- Granulated Sugar (1 1/4 cups, plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the dough and gives each cookie its beautiful sparkly crust.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together while adding richness and chew.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of our cookie, providing structure without heaviness.
- Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder (3/4 cup): The star ingredient for that intensely rich, chocolaty color and taste.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just the right lift for a perfectly soft center.
- Baking Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Works alongside the baking soda to ensure tender results.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and deepens all the chocolatey notes—never skip it!
How to Make Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C); getting this right from the beginning helps ensure each cookie bakes evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also helps those Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies achieve perfectly smooth bottoms every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential: well-creamed butter means airier cookies with a gentle crumb, and gets you that bakery-style bite.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in your egg and add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just incorporated; this is where the dough starts to smell absolutely irresistible. The richness from the egg combines with the aroma of vanilla—trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures the cocoa powder doesn’t clump and every bite of your Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies has balanced chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet mixture, beating on low until a soft dough forms. Don’t over-mix! You want the dough just combined to ensure your cookies are tender and not tough.
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Toss each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar until coated—this little sparkle delivers visual appeal and a pleasing crunch!
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Arrange the dough balls two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look a touch soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool the rest of the way. This waiting period is tough, but it’s important—your Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies finish setting and their flavors continue to develop. Enjoy the incredible aroma filling your kitchen!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling the cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking—this enhances the deep chocolate notes and adds a gourmet flourish. A drizzle of melted white or milk chocolate makes for a decadent (and beautiful) treat as well.
Side Dishes
You simply can’t go wrong serving these cookies with a big glass of cold milk or a piping hot cup of coffee. If you’re creating a dessert platter, pair them with berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies shine on a festive plate for holiday gatherings, but they’re also perfect for making cookie sandwiches with a layer of marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache in between. Stack them in a mason jar, tie it with a ribbon, and you have a stunning edible gift!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, pop your Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies into an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days. Place a slice of sandwich bread in the container to help keep them soft even longer.
Freezing
These cookies are freezer-friendly! Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold beautifully for up to three months—perfect for planning ahead or sudden chocolate emergencies.
Reheating
If you crave that just-baked feel, warm a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving. Microwaving restores their irresistible softness, and brings those deep cocoa aromas right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for this recipe?
Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa packs a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor and works perfectly in Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies. It also gives them an even richer color.
What type Dessert
Standard granulated sugar is all you need—it adds sweet crunch and that signature sugar cookie sparkle. For a little extra pizzazz, try using turbinado sugar for a light caramel bite.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even a sprinkle of espresso powder will make your Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies truly unique. Just don’t go too heavy on the add-ins so the cookies hold their shape.
How do I make the cookies chewier or crispier?
For chewier cookies, bake on the lower end of the suggested time and slightly underbake the centers. For crisper cookies, extend the bake time by a minute or two until you see firmer edges and less softness in the middle.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?
Absolutely! Their rich flavor and dramatic color make Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies a standout addition to any cookie box. Plus, since they hold up well in storage and transit, they’re perfect for mailing to friends and family.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as impressive in flavor as it is simple to make, don’t wait another moment—bake a batch of Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies! You’ll be amazed at just how quickly they disappear. Share them with loved ones, enjoy them with your favorite drink, and let every bite remind you why homemade is always best.
Print
Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies that are soft, rich, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, coat each in granulated sugar, place on baking sheets, flatten the tops, and bake for 9–11 minutes.
- 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 a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Add a touch of espresso powder to intensify the richness.
- These cookies freeze well and are perfect for holiday gifting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
