Easy Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
These chocolate sugar cookies are a delightful treat for any dessert lover. With a rich, chocolaty flavor and a perfect texture for cookie cutters, they are an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a special event, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these delicious cookies.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we start, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (subtract 2 tbsp, 220g)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (20g)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cups cocoa powder (Dutch processed preferred)
- 1 cup sugar (200g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15mL)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Mixer (with a paddle attachment)
- Sifter
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Refrigerator
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures that the ingredients are well combined. Once sifted, whisk them together to further combine and aerate the mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture in your cookies.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar. Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, mix on medium-low speed until the butter and sugar are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to cookies that spread too much in the oven. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
3. Adding the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing on medium-low speed, and make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. The egg and vanilla add moisture and flavor to the dough, making it easier to work with and enhancing the taste of the cookies.
4. Combining the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, or until the dough starts to come together and sticks to the paddle attachment. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overworking the dough can result in tough cookies.
5. Rolling Out the Dough
Once the dough is ready, place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. For these cookies, a thickness of about 1/4 inch works well, but you can adjust according to your preference. Rolling the dough between parchment paper prevents it from sticking to the rolling pin and makes it easier to transfer to the baking sheet.
6. Chilling the Dough
Transfer the rolled-out dough, still between the parchment paper, onto a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to cut out shapes and ensuring that the cookies hold their shape during baking.
7. Cutting Out Shapes
After chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for even baking.
8. Baking the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the centers are set. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Measuring Flour Correctly: Adding too much flour is a common mistake. The best way to measure flour is by using a kitchen scale. If you don’t have one, fluff the flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
- Scraping the Bowl: Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl several times when mixing the batter. This ensures that all ingredients are well incorporated and prevents stray pieces of unmixed butter or flour from affecting the texture of your cookies.
- Freezing the Dough: This dough is great for making in advance and freezing for later use. After rolling out the dough, wrap it well and freeze. When ready to bake, simply defrost and proceed with cutting and baking.
- Adjusting Thickness: The cookies can be rolled to your desired thickness. Thicker cookies will be softer and chewier, while thinner cookies will be crisper. Adjust baking times accordingly to avoid over or under-baking.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
These chocolate sugar cookies are versatile and can be customized in various ways:
- Decorating: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Flavored Variations: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint, almond, or orange to create unique flavor profiles.
- Sandwich Cookies: Use two cookies to make sandwich cookies with a filling of your choice, such as buttercream, ganache, or marshmallow fluff.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these chocolate sugar cookies contains approximately:
- Calories: 241kcal
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 229mg
- Potassium: 164mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 25g
- Vitamin A: 30IU
- Calcium: 18mg
- Iron: 3mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Sugar Cookies
One of the great aspects of these chocolate sugar cookies is their ability to be stored and enjoyed later. Here are some tips on how to store and freeze them effectively to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Storing Baked Cookies
- Room Temperature: Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. To keep them soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies to extend their shelf life. Stored in an airtight container, they will last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also warm them in the oven at a low temperature to bring back their freshly-baked taste.
Freezing Cookie Dough
Freezing the cookie dough is an excellent way to have fresh cookies on demand. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of rolling out the dough.
- Freeze: After rolling out the dough between parchment paper, place the dough on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once firm, wrap the dough well in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Defrosting: When ready to bake, remove the dough from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Proceed with cutting out shapes and baking as instructed in the recipe.
Creative Uses for Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Chocolate sugar cookies are not only delicious on their own, but they also serve as a fantastic base for various creative desserts. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:
Cookie Sandwiches
Transform your chocolate sugar cookies into delightful cookie sandwiches. Simply spread a layer of your favorite filling, such as buttercream, marshmallow fluff, or peanut butter, on one cookie and top it with another. Roll the edges in sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for added flair.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a refreshing treat, make ice cream sandwiches using your chocolate sugar cookies. Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto one cookie, then press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Freeze the sandwiches until the ice cream is firm, and enjoy on a hot day.
Cookie Crumbs
If you have any leftover or broken cookies, turn them into cookie crumbs. These crumbs can be used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pudding, adding a delightful crunch and chocolate flavor. They also make an excellent base for cheesecake crusts or pie crusts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a simple recipe, you may encounter some challenges. Here are solutions to common problems that might arise when making chocolate sugar cookies:
Dough is Too Sticky
If your dough is too sticky to work with, it may be due to the butter being too warm or the dough not being chilled enough. Ensure that the butter is at room temperature but not overly soft. If needed, refrigerate the dough for a bit longer until it is firm enough to roll out easily.
Cookies Spread Too Much
If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to overmixing the dough or using warm dough. Be sure to mix the dough just until combined and chill the dough thoroughly before cutting out shapes. Also, check that your oven temperature is accurate, as an oven that runs hot can cause cookies to spread more than desired.
Cookies are Too Hard
If your cookies turn out too hard, it might be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake, and remove them from the oven as soon as the centers are set. When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate sugar cookies are a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. From their ease of preparation to their delightful flavor and texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for fun, these cookies are a wonderful way to indulge your sweet tooth.
Enjoy the process of baking and decorating these chocolate sugar cookies, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your shapes and designs. Happy baking!