Soft Chocolate Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats You'll Actually Make Twice.

Soft chocolate cookies made with a cocoa twist and a sugar cookie base. Keep them chilled to cut perfect shapes and decorate easily.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:48 GMT
Heart-shaped chocolate cookies with white icing and pink sprinkles placed on a dish with flowers around. Pin it
Heart-shaped chocolate cookies with white icing and pink sprinkles placed on a dish with flowers around. | cookbybook.com

The moment these chocolate sugar cookies came out of my oven, I knew I'd struck gold. They perfectly mix deep chocolate flavor with that wonderful sugar cookie feel - it's truly something special. With their soft centers and slightly crunchy edges, they're not just tasty but also great for decorating. The amazing chocolate smell that fills up my home while they bake is just an added bonus.

An Outstanding Sweet Treat

What's so great about these cookies is how they combine the best parts of sugar cookies with chocolate goodness. They don't lose their shape, whether I'm cutting them into circles, flowers, or seasonal designs. You'll get that perfect bite - tender yet firm enough to hold decorations. Even my friends who rarely bake tell me they've had success making these.

Ingredients List

  • Cocoa Powder: Dutch process gives you darker flavor, but regular cocoa works great too.
  • Butter: Go with unsalted to manage the taste yourself.
  • Granulated Sugar: This gives us that classic cookie bite we want.
  • Flour: Regular all purpose is just right for these cookies.
  • Eggs: They bind everything into perfect cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: A bit makes the chocolate taste richer.
  • Salt: A pinch enhances all other flavors.
  • Baking Powder: This keeps your cookies looking picture-perfect.

Baking Instructions

Mix Your Wet Stuff
Beat your butter with sugar until it's fluffy and light, then add eggs and vanilla until you get a smooth mix.
Combine Dry Stuff
Slowly add your flour, cocoa and other dry ingredients until you've got a nice soft dough.
Flatten It Out
Work with just half the dough at once and put it between parchment paper for easy rolling.
Cool It Down
Stick your rolled dough in the fridge for at least two hours - don't skip this part!
Cut and Bake
Use cookie cutters for your shapes, put them on lined cookie sheets and bake for about 8-10 minutes until just right.

Finishing Touches

For fancy designs, I like using royal icing since it hardens so nicely. When I'm in a hurry, a simple glaze does the trick. Both taste amazing with the chocolate cookie base.

Clever Baking Tips

I always roll my dough first, then chill it - this makes things so much easier. Try using cocoa powder instead of flour for dusting your work area to keep the chocolate flavor strong. Always line your baking sheets with parchment for cookies that bake perfectly every time.

Storage Info

You can store these cookies for up to a week in a sealed container. I often make extra dough and pop it in the freezer for when friends drop by. It's super handy having cookie dough ready whenever you want something sweet.

Creative Ideas

Get creative with your designs! I've made these into flowers for spring, pumpkins for fall, and trees for winter holidays. Sometimes the simplest decoration - just a bit of icing with colorful sprinkles - looks the most appealing.

Customer Feedback

Everyone tells me these taste like the perfect mix of a brownie and sugar cookie combined. They don't spread or lose shape while baking, which makes them perfect for parties and gift-giving.

FAQ Section

You can use any type of cocoa in these cookies and they'll turn out great. Don't try to rush the cooling time - those two hours really matter. And yes, you can freeze them after they're baked, which is great for planning ahead.

Helpful Tools

A good set of baking mats and quality cookie cutters will make your life easier. When I add color to my icing, I always pick gel food coloring because it gives vivid colors without thinning out the icing.

Family Favorite

I've come to cherish this recipe in my collection. They're simple enough for a random Tuesday but fancy enough for special occasions. Make them once and you'll see why everyone always asks for more.

A tray of heart-shaped chocolate cookies topped with white icing and colorful sprinkles. Pin it
A tray of heart-shaped chocolate cookies topped with white icing and colorful sprinkles. | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should I chill the dough?
It keeps cookies from spreading too much when baking and makes the dough easier to work with. Trust me, it'll save you trouble later.
→ Can I store these in the freezer?
Totally! You can freeze plain or frosted cookies for up to 3 months. Even the dough freezes fine—just defrost in the fridge before rolling it out.
→ What if my dough feels sticky?
Your butter might've been too melty. Add an extra bit of flour and use butter that's just cool, not too soft.
→ How can I tell when they’re ready?
Check the edges—if they’ve set after about 11-12 minutes, they’re good. They might still feel soft but firm up once cooled. Don’t leave them in too long, or they’ll go crispy.
→ Can I prep these in advance?
Sure! The dough can chill in the fridge for up to 2 days. Baked cookies can stay soft at room temp for 5 days or up to 10 if you refrigerate them.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Soft and rich chocolate cookies that are easy to shape and decorate. Made with cocoa powder for maximum chocolate goodness, ideal for festive occasions.

Prep Time
120 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
132 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup sugar, granulated.
02 1/8 tsp of salt.
03 1 teaspoon vanilla.
04 3/4 cup cocoa, unsweetened.
05 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
06 1 large egg, keep it at room temp.
07 1 teaspoon baking powder.
08 3/4 cup softened butter, unsalted.
09 Decorating glaze or royal icing.
10 A mix of sprinkles for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine salt, baking powder, cocoa powder, and flour in a bowl. Give it a good mix.

Step 02

For about 2 minutes, beat softened butter with the sugar until fluffy. Toss in the egg and vanilla next.

Step 03

Work the dry mix into the butter mixture till it all comes together.

Step 04

Divide the dough in half. Place each between parchment and roll to about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 05

Layer the rolled dough (still in parchment) and pop it in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

Step 06

Use cutters to shape the chilled dough. Gather scraps and repeat the process.

Step 07

Throw them in the oven at 350°F for 11-12 minutes. Check if the edges are solid.

Step 08

Wait till the cookies are completely cooled before decorating with icing and sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Prep dough ahead of time, it'll keep fresh in the fridge for 2 days.
  2. Room temp ingredients? They're a must, trust me.
  3. If stored well, cookies stay soft for about 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Use an electric mixer.
  • Don’t forget baking trays.
  • Grab a rolling pin.
  • Parchment paper is super handy.
  • Cookie cutters for designs.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Has milk or dairy.
  • Includes wheat products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 130
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 2 g