Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Name: Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup sugar (for rolling)

Isabella

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Rich, soft, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, these melt-in-your-mouth Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies are perfect for any chocolate lover! With a slightly crisp sugar-coated exterior and a fudgy interior, these cookies bring the best of both worlds in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cocoa and sugar creates a rich, chocolaty sweetness without being overpowering. They have the perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center. Plus, they’re great for making ahead and storing for later!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup sugar (for rolling)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them in sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a glass of milk!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Calories per cookie: 180 kcal

Variations

Double Chocolate: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness.

Spiced Chocolate: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a warm, spicy twist.

Stuffed Cookies: Place a small piece of chocolate or caramel in the center of each dough ball before baking.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark cocoa powder for a deeper, bittersweet chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them fresh longer, I freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy a warm cookie, I microwave it for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Related Recipes:

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

FAQs

How do I make my cookies extra soft?

I make sure not to overbake them! Taking them out when the centers still look slightly underdone helps keep them soft.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! I refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it in balls for easy baking later.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, but if the dough feels too soft, chilling for 20-30 minutes helps with handling.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes! It gives the cookies a darker color and richer taste. Just keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture.

What can I use instead of butter?

I can substitute butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine, but the texture may change slightly.

Conclusion

These soft chocolate sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether I’m making a sweet treat for myself or sharing with friends and family. With simple ingredients and a quick baking time, they’re a go-to recipe whenever I’m craving chocolate.