If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey desserts that still manage to feel light and delicate, Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies are your new best friend. These cookies combine the classic sweetness of a sugar cookie with the deep, indulgent flavor of dark chocolate. Picture a crispy edge, a soft center, and that melt-in-your-mouth cocoa taste with every bite. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made these sooner!
Why You’ll Love Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: These cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers who want something more intense than a regular sugar cookie. The dark chocolate adds a sophisticated twist to the classic treat.
- Perfect Balance: The sweetness from the sugar and the deep flavor of the dark chocolate come together in harmony. It’s a match made in cookie heaven.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can bake these decadent cookies without much fuss. If you’re looking for a quick chocolate fix, this is the recipe for you.
- Texture You’ll Crave: These cookies have that perfect combination of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers that make each bite irresistible.
- Customizable: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add in other fun ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Ingredients
For the ultimate Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies, you’ll need the following:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Butter: Softened butter for a rich, tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This gives the cookies that signature sweet sugar cookie taste.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for a chewy, soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, fragrant flavor that balances the cocoa.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that gives structure to the cookies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is the star ingredient that gives the cookies that rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them that perfect texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (optional): For an extra hit of chocolate in every bite (totally optional, but highly recommended!).
(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on making these Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies!
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. This step will give your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You should have a rich, slightly sticky dough.
5. Fold in the Dark Chocolate Chips (Optional):
If you’re adding dark chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough. This will give you those little pockets of extra chocolatey goodness in every bite!
6. Scoop the Dough:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can also gently flatten them with the bottom of a glass if you prefer a thinner cookie.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set and ensures they don’t break when you move them.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies
These Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies are perfect for so many occasions! Here are some serving ideas:
- With Coffee or Hot Cocoa: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite mug of hot cocoa. The deep chocolate flavor in the cookies complements the warmth of the drinks.
- As a Gift: Wrap them up in a cute box or tin for a simple but thoughtful homemade gift. Everyone loves a little chocolate treat!
- On Their Own: Sometimes, all you need is a good cookie to satisfy that sweet craving. Enjoy these on their own, or serve them as an after-dinner treat.
- With Ice Cream: Turn these cookies into an indulgent dessert by sandwiching some vanilla ice cream in between two cookies. You’ll have a super decadent ice cream sandwich!
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
- Add More Chocolate: If you can’t get enough chocolate, try adding a few extra chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for even more chocolatey goodness.
- Adjust the Texture: If you like your cookies on the chewy side, take them out of the oven just as the edges start to firm up. If you prefer them crispier, leave them in a little longer.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A1: Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give the cookies a sweeter, creamier flavor. If you prefer a less bitter chocolate, milk chocolate chips are a great alternative.
Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Q3: How do I store these cookies?
A3: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
A4: Yes, you can use Dutch-process cocoa powder if you prefer. It will give the cookies a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q5: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and bake the cookies when you’re ready.
These Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts with a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on your own with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
PrintDark Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These dark chocolate sugar cookies are the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and sweet, chewy texture. Ideal for chocolate lovers, these cookies are a decadent twist on the classic sugar cookie, made with dark chocolate cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Enjoy them with your favorite beverage or as a holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ¼ cup powdered sugar for rolling (for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the dough balls in powdered sugar for a sparkly finish.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool, so be sure to remove them when they’re still slightly soft in the center for a chewy texture.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half of the butter with dark chocolate.
- You can add ¼ cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg