Chocolate Sugar Cookies are soft, tender, and perfect for rolling out and cutting into festive shapes for any holiday. This easy chocolate sugar cookie recipe yields cookies that hold their shape, bake up with crisp edges and soft centers, and deliver a deep cocoa flavor — a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies.
Cut-out cookies are a holiday favorite in many households, and these chocolate sugar cookies have quickly become a go-to for special occasions. The dough is forgiving and easy to roll, making it simple to achieve clean, defined shapes. Decorate with colored frosting and sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, swap colors for Christmas or Halloween, or keep them classic for birthday parties. The chocolate flavor is rich without overpowering, so these cookies pair well with a variety of frostings and decorations.
Recipe Highlights
- Ideal for cut-outs: Dough rolls smoothly and keeps its shape in the oven.
- Soft, tender texture: Cookies stay moist and slightly chewy in the center.
- Deep chocolate flavor: Cocoa powder adds rich color and taste.
- Decorating-friendly: Holds frosting and sprinkles well for festive looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups butter — softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened baking cocoa)
- 2 tsp baking powder
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter — softened to room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese — softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–5 tbsp milk — start with 3 and add to reach spreadable consistency
- Food coloring and sprinkles — optional for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, then beat another 2 minutes.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
- Chill: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours. Chilling firms the dough and helps produce clean edges when cutting shapes.
- Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to your desired thickness. For soft, slightly thick cookies, aim for about 1/4″ to 5/8″ thick. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for about 8–9 minutes. Cookies should look set but not overbrowned. Allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frosting: To make the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then add milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired, then frost cooled cookies and add sprinkles.
Tips for Success
- Always cool cookies completely before applying frosting to avoid melting.
- Chill dough thoroughly to maintain sharp cookie edges when baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies will firm up as they cool and remain tender inside.
- Roll dough to a consistent thickness for even baking and uniform cookies.
Storage Instructions
Store frosted or unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a softer texture, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
Nutrition (per cookie)
Approximate values: Calories 276 kcal | Carbohydrates 36 g | Protein 3 g | Fat 14 g. These values will vary with portion size and frosting amount.
FAQs
How do you keep sugar cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store cooled cookies in an airtight container. Baking until just set preserves a tender center.
How long will decorated sugar cookies last?
Decorated cookies stored at room temperature in an airtight container will stay fresh for up to 7 days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. You can also freeze portions of the dough for longer storage.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a festive and delicious variation on classic cut-out cookies. They bake reliably, decorate beautifully, and offer a rich chocolate flavor that makes them a favorite for holidays, parties, and baking with kids.