Chocolate Sugar Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
Introduction
If you’re a chocolate lover, then chocolate sugar cookies might just become your new favorite treat. These delightful cookies are a rich, chocolatey twist on the classic sugar cookie, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and a perfect texture. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also incredibly fun to decorate, making them an ideal choice for any festive occasion or a simple family treat. The secret to their success lies in the careful preparation and chilling of the dough, ensuring that each bite is as delicious as the last.
The Ingredients
To create these delectable chocolate sugar cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough. Be sure to spoon and level the flour to get an accurate measurement.
- 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural or Dutch process cocoa powder: This gives the cookies their rich chocolate flavor. You’ll also need a bit more for rolling and dusting your work surface.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and gives them a nice, tender texture.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Butter adds richness and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture. Make sure it’s soft but not too warm.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: This sweetens the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature: Eggs add structure and moisture to the cookies. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the dough.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: This adds a touch of flavor that complements the chocolate.
For decorating, you’ll need royal icing or an easy glaze icing, and assorted sprinkles to add a festive touch to your cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
Begin by whisking the dry ingredients together. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for even rising and flavor.
In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. This step is essential for creating a light, tender cookie. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.
Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined. The dough will be soft, but if it seems too sticky for rolling, you can add an additional tablespoon of flour.
2. Rolling Out the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Dust two large pieces of parchment paper or silicone baking mats with cocoa powder or flour. Place a dough half on each piece of parchment or mat. Using a rolling pin lightly dusted with cocoa powder or flour, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. The rolled-out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly 1/4-inch thick.
3. Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is a crucial step that you should not skip. Lightly dust one of the rolled-out doughs with cocoa powder or flour, and place a piece of parchment on top. Place the second rolled-out dough on top, then cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours and up to 2 days. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into shapes and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
4. Cutting and Baking the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two to three large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough, using more cocoa powder or flour to lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin, and continue cutting until all the dough is used. Work quickly so the dough doesn’t become too warm or soft. If it does, place any unused dough back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to stiffen up again.
Arrange the shaped cookies on the baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Bake for 11-12 minutes or until the edges are set. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
5. Decorating the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to decorate them. Prepare either royal icing or easy glaze icing and decorate the cookies however you’d like. Add sprinkles on top of the icing if desired. You can also tint the icing with gel food coloring for a more vibrant look. If it’s helpful, decorate the cookies directly on a baking sheet so you can stick the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator to help speed up the icing setting.
Enjoy the cookies right away or wait until the icing sets to serve them. Once the icing has set, these cookies are great for gifting or sending. Plain or decorated cookies stay soft for about 5 days when covered tightly at room temperature. For longer storage, cover and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures that they mix more evenly into the dough, resulting in a better texture.
- Chilling the Dough: This step is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies and preventing them from spreading too much during baking.
- Rolling the Dough: Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures that the cookies bake evenly. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more cocoa powder or flour to make it easier to handle.
- Decorating: Have fun with decorating! Use different shapes, colors, and sprinkles to make the cookies festive and fun.
Freezing Instructions
These cookies freeze well, making them a great option for making ahead of time. Plain or decorated sugar cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wait for the icing to set completely before layering the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months before rolling it out. Prepare the dough through step 2, divide it in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to use, thaw the disks in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for about an hour before rolling out the dough, chilling, cutting into shapes, and baking.
Special Tools and Equipment
To make the process even easier, here are some tools you might find helpful:
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer)
- Baking Sheets
- Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters
- Cooling Rack
- Piping Bags and Tips
- Gel Food Coloring
These tools can help you achieve the perfect texture and beautifully decorated cookies.
Conclusion
Chocolate sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the classic sugar cookie. With a little patience and careful preparation, you can create a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy baking and decorating your chocolate sugar cookies, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!
