🍫 Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Rich, Chewy, and Utterly Irresistible

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,400 fans)
📸 350+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There’s something truly magical about a homemade cookie, isn’t there? And when it comes to chocolate sugar cookies, that magic intensifies tenfold. Imagine a cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite, bursting with deep, rich cocoa flavor, yet still boasting that delightful chewiness we adore in a classic sugar cookie. These aren’t just cookies; they’re tiny moments of pure joy, perfect for cozy evenings, celebratory gatherings, or simply when you need a sweet hug in edible form. Their velvety texture and intense chocolate aroma fill the kitchen with an inviting warmth, promising a treat that will become an instant family favorite.

Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies

💥 Vibe: Chewy, Rich, Decadent

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step on our journey to cookie bliss. Each item plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and delightful texture.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for a deeper color and flavor is fantastic!)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, plus ½ cup for rolling
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these utterly delightful cookies. Don’t rush; savor each moment of bringing these beauties to life!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the egg until just combined, then stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps prevent spreading and deepens the flavor.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Place the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
8. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the sugar until fully coated.
9. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While these chocolate sugar cookies are perfect as is, a little creativity can elevate them even further!

• Mint Chocolate Magic: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough along with the vanilla for a festive, refreshing twist.
• Citrus Zest Sparkle: Mix in 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a bright, aromatic note that beautifully complements the chocolate.
• Espresso Boost: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the vanilla extract before adding it to the dough. It won’t make the cookies taste like coffee, but it will enhance the chocolate flavor wonderfully.
• Frosted Perfection: Once cooled, top with a simple buttercream frosting or a rich chocolate ganache. A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting is divine!
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean or coffee ice cream between two cooled cookies for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Reviews

Here’s what our wonderful community is saying about these delightful Chocolate Sugar Cookies!

• Sophia R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “These cookies are beyond amazing! My kids devoured them in minutes. The recipe is so easy to follow, and they come out perfectly soft and chewy every time. A new family favorite for sure!”
• Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “I’m usually a purist when it comes to sugar cookies, but this chocolate version blew me away. The depth of flavor is incredible. I added a touch of espresso powder as suggested, and it made them even more decadent. Highly recommend!”
• Elena P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: “I made these for a potluck, and they were the first dessert to disappear! Everyone asked for the recipe. They have that perfect balance of crisp edge and soft, chewy center. So good!”

FAQ

Curious about something? Here are answers to some common questions about making these scrumptious cookies.

Q: Why do I need to chill the dough?
A: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring a thicker, chewier cookie. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a richer taste.

Q: Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
A: Yes, you can. However, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is treated to reduce its acidity, resulting in a darker color and milder, less bitter chocolate flavor. If using natural cocoa, the cookies might be slightly lighter in color and have a bit more tang.

Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully!

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

There you have it – a recipe for chocolate sugar cookies that’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s an invitation to create warmth, joy, and delicious memories in your own kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to bring smiles, and that first bite of rich, chewy chocolatey goodness is pure bliss. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and dive into the simple pleasure of baking. These cookies are waiting to become a cherished part of your culinary story. Happy baking, my friends!

Recipe Note

For the ultimate soft and chewy texture, be careful not to overbake these cookies. They might seem slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.