Dreamy Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet meets decadent in this dark chocolate sugar cookies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich cocoa powder blends seamlessly with classic sugar cookie ingredients to create an irresistible treat.

Every bite delivers a luxurious chocolate experience that melts perfectly on your tongue.

These cookies offer a sophisticated twist on the traditional sugar cookie, making them perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea.

The deep, intense chocolate flavor comes from high-quality dark cocoa powder, ensuring a truly memorable dessert.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these cookies a textural delight that you’ll want to share.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet elegant dark chocolate wonder.

FAQs

• What type of cocoa powder works best for these cookies?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a deeper, richer chocolate flavor and creates a more intense dark color in the cookies.

• How can I tell if the cookie dough is mixed correctly?

The dough should come together without looking dry or crumbly, and it should be soft but still hold its shape when rolled into balls.

• Why do I need to roll the cookies in sugar before baking?

Rolling the cookies in sugar creates a sweet, crispy exterior and adds a beautiful sparkly finish to the cookie surface.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, which can actually enhance the flavor and make the cookies more tender.

Why Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies Feel Gourmet

• Savor Quick Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal tweaks like adding caramelized onions, switching cheese types, or adjusting sauce ingredients to match your taste preferences.
• Master Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers restaurant-quality sandwich experience that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for casual family meals or game day gatherings.
• Simple Skill Builder: Great introductory recipe for home cooks wanting to improve grilling and sandwich-making techniques with straightforward steps and minimal complex cooking methods.

Ingredient Essentials for Dark Chocolate Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the dark chocolate sugar cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a rich, deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior with a soft interior.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the dark chocolate.

• Granulated Sugar: Used to roll the cookie dough balls, creating a sweet, sparkling exterior and adding a slight crunch to the cookies.

Steps for Baking Rich Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Rich cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Step 4: Introduce Moisture

Pour in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until everything combines smoothly.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the dough comes together.

The texture should be soft but able to hold its shape.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Rounds

Roll the dough into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.

Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar for a sweet, sparkling coating.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for slightly cracked tops and set edges.

Step 8: Cool and Settle

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Savor the Moment

Indulge in these rich, velvety dark chocolate sugar cookies that are sure to melt in your mouth!

Notes for Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookie Fans

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create a more compact shape.
• Use less sugar for a less sweet coating or roll only half the ball for a subtle crunch.
• Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Watch cookies closely during the last 2 minutes to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft texture.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Fun Add-Ins for Dark Chocolate Cookie Batches

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, maintaining the same measurements for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure cocoa powder is dairy-free for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the rich chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more complex chocolate cookie experience.

What Goes With Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies

• Pair Decadent Port Wine: Sip a rich, sweet port wine that beautifully complements the deep chocolate flavor of the cookies. The wine's smooth, fruity notes will enhance the cookie's intense cocoa profile.
• Serve Raspberry Sorbet: Create a delightful contrast by offering a tangy, light raspberry sorbet alongside these rich dark chocolate cookies. The bright, refreshing fruit cuts through the cookie's deep chocolate intensity.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Latte: Brew a smooth vanilla latte that echoes the cookie's sweet undertones while providing a creamy counterpoint to the dark chocolate. The warm coffee and subtle vanilla will beautifully highlight the cookie's rich texture.

Keeping Chocolate Sugar Cookies Fresh

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Add a slice of bread to maintain moisture and softness.

Dark Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent dark chocolate sugar cookies promise a rich, velvety journey through intense cocoa depths. Sweet-toothed bakers will discover pure chocolate bliss in each crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate and Flour Base:

• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened dark cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt

Sweeteners and Fats:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar (for dough)
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar blend, mixing until thoroughly integrated and smooth.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive, soft dough forms without overmixing.
6. Shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, then generously coat each ball in additional granulated sugar.
7. Arrange sugar-encrusted dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining 2-inch intervals to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for slightly cracked tops and set edges, which indicate the cookies are perfectly done.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Serve and savor these decadent dark chocolate sugar cookies that offer a rich, indulgent treat for chocolate enthusiasts.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more concentrated chocolate flavor.
• Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for a deeper, richer chocolate taste that elevates the entire cookie.
• Replace regular sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and subtle caramel undertones.
• Swap butter with coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free while maintaining a tender, moist texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 99 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 17 mg