Description
Delight in these rich and tender Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies, perfect for any occasion. Made with Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor, these cookies are soft yet sturdy enough to hold intricate shapes. Easy to make and sure to impress, they’re perfect for decorating or enjoying plain with a glass of milk.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (94 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set them aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to cream the butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add vanilla and egg: Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until fully combined, creating a smooth and homogenous wet mixture.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa throughout the dough.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Mix until fully incorporated; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Ensure the dough is evenly rolled for uniform baking.
- Cut out shapes and place on baking sheets: Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut the dough into desired shapes. Transfer the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on size and thickness. The edges should appear set while the centers remain slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and ensures the cookies set properly.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing.
- To prevent sticking, make sure to lightly flour your rolling surface and cookie cutters.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can decorate these cookies with icing or sprinkles once cooled, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
- If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate sugar cookies, cut out cookies, holiday cookies, cocoa cookies, baking, dessert recipes
