Description
These Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with a tender, chewy texture. Rolled in granulated sugar and baked to perfection, they make a delightful dessert or snack. The recipe is straightforward and yields soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that stay fresh for days.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps create a smooth dough and tender cookies.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Milk: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Form and Roll Dough Balls: Scoop the dough into 1 ½-inch balls. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to add a subtle crunch and shiny finish.
- Arrange and Flatten: Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass or your hand to help them spread evenly while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder or a handful of chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- These cookies freeze well; store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for several days.
