Introduction
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a rich, chocolatey sugar cookie that melts in your mouth. These Chocolate Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center, infused with the deep, decadent flavor of cocoa. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies will surely satisfy your chocolate cravings and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—a beautiful pale yellow color that signals it’s ready for the next step.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is luscious and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely warmth to the dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep our cookies tender!
- Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula, making sure each bite will have that delightful burst of chocolate.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll them into balls in your hands, feeling that wonderful soft texture.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for some spread during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by this point!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them to firm up just a bit more.
Notes or Tips
For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking for a sweet and salty contrast. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy for days!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming butter and sugars, use room temperature butter to achieve that light and airy texture. This step is crucial for creating cookies with the perfect consistency. Also, avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients; this helps keep the cookies tender and not overly tough.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg alternative, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for every egg.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a hug in a cookie form! Perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in on your own, these cookies embrace the rich essence of chocolate while staying light and crispy at the edges. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and let the baking magic happen!