If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect cookie—chewy, soft, and deeply chocolatey—look no further than these Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies. Each bite is a nostalgic mix of rich cocoa and just the right touch of sweetness, finished with a crackly sugar crust for irresistible texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a bake sale, or simply craving a chocolate fix, these cookies will turn your kitchen into the coziest chocolate haven in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of simple ingredients, the magic of Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies truly shines. Each element plays its own delicious part, so don’t be tempted to skip a thing—the result is so worth it!
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and stability, making sure your cookies hold their soft shape while staying tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor; use a good quality cocoa for rich taste and color.
- Baking soda: Lends a gentle lift, helping the cookies rise just enough for that airy, soft texture.
- Baking powder: Teams up with baking soda for even more tenderness and a pleasing crumb.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps everything balanced.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings creaminess and unmistakable melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Granulated sugar: Not only sweetens but also gives the cookies their signature sparkling crust.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds a little moisture for chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: A classic, aromatic boost that pairs perfectly with cocoa.
- Milk: Just enough to bring the dough together and keep each cookie soft.
- Extra granulated sugar (for rolling): Coating each dough ball gives you that irresistible crunchy finish.
How to Make Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that every bite of your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies is full of even, chocolatey goodness throughout, without any random lumps or pockets of baking soda.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s pale and fluffy—about two minutes. This step gives your cookies incredible lightness and that classic soft-on-the-inside texture. Don’t skimp on the mixing; creaming is key!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in a large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well blended. The egg acts as the glue holding your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies together, while the vanilla sneaks in a layer of background flavor you’ll absolutely love.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk. This gentle, gradual approach keeps your dough from becoming tough and guarantees a plush, soft finish. Mix just until everything comes together—don’t overwork it.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar the Dough
Using a tablespoon (or a small cookie scoop), portion out rounds of dough, roll them between your hands to form balls, and then drop each one into a shallow dish of granulated sugar. Roll until generously coated—this extra sugar creates the cookies’ iconic crackly top.
Step 6: Bake
Space the dough balls about two inches apart on your lined cookie sheets. Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and puffy. That’s the secret to the “soft” in Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them set so they don’t fall apart—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all before they’ve cooled…though a warm sample is a treat you shouldn’t miss.
How to Serve Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie while they’re still warm. Or melt a drizzle of white chocolate over the cookies for a fun contrast—both are sure to turn your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies into even more of a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk if you’re a traditionalist, or serve alongside a mug of rich hot chocolate for double the chocolatey punch. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, nestle them against a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in glass jars as gifts, arrange them on a colorful holiday platter, or sandwich two cookies with a swirl of buttercream inside for homemade cookie sandwiches. The Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies can be dressed up or down, fitting every occasion from lunchbox treats to elegant party trays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days. Storing with a slice of bread helps maintain their moisture beautifully—just remember to swap out the bread if it dries up.
Freezing
The dough for Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies freezes wonderfully! Shape and sugar the dough balls, then pop them on a tray in the freezer until firm. Transfer to a bag and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two in the oven—no thawing needed. You can also freeze baked cookies, tightly wrapped, for up to two months.
Reheating
If your cookies have been stored or frozen, bring them back to life by popping them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes. This will return that warm, just-baked softness to your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies, making them taste like they’re fresh from the oven.
FAQs
What makes these Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies extra soft?
The combination of generous butter, just the right amount of milk, and short baking time ensures these cookies stay incredibly soft and chewy in the center. Don’t overbake, or you’ll miss out on the trademark softness!
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder instead of natural?
Absolutely! Both work well, though Dutch-process cocoa will deliver a deeper color and a slightly mellower, richer chocolate flavor. Whichever you use, your cookies will be deeply chocolatey and delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are ready to come out of the oven?
Check them at 8 minutes—the edges should look set, but the centers will still appear a bit puffy and soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool for the ideal Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies texture.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Go for it! Mini chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts can be folded into the dough after mixing for extra texture and flavor. Just keep mix-ins to about half a cup total so the dough stays soft and manageable.
Why roll the dough in sugar before baking?
Rolling each dough ball in sugar is the secret to that irresistible crackled surface and subtle crunch in every bite. It also adds a picture-perfect shimmering finish to your Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies is like wrapping up comfort and chocolate happiness in every bite. They’re simple to make, always crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try—you just might find your new favorite cookie recipe.
Print
Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of these Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies. With a perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the milk, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Form dough balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat each ball in extra granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
