Imagine biting into a cookie so soft, so chocolatey, and so irresistibly chewy that you forget about everything else for a moment. These soft and chewy chocolate sugar cookies are the ultimate dessert bliss. I first whipped these up for a family movie night, and let me tell you, they didn’t even last through the opening credits. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want to make something indulgent without breaking a sweat, this recipe is for you.
If you love desserts that are rich without being overwhelming and easy enough to make on a whim, you’re in for a treat! Plus, these cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or just keeping all to yourself (I won’t judge). Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay moist and tender thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder gives them a deep chocolate taste, while the sugar coating adds just the right sweetness.
- Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- No Fancy Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry!
- Versatile: Great for holidays, potlucks, or satisfying midnight cravings.
- Kid-Friendly: Little ones love rolling the dough in sugar—it’s like edible arts and crafts!
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are always a hit at gatherings, and they make an excellent edible gift.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. I’ve tested it so many times to get the texture just right, and the sugar coating gives it that slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft center. Honestly, this is the kind of cookie that makes people ask, “Where did you buy these?”—and you get to say, “I made them!”
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses basic ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, providing structure without being too heavy.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder works best for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing and a buttery texture.
- Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough and for the sugar coating.
- Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses for extra chewiness.
- Egg: Brings everything together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A must for enhancing the overall flavor.
- Milk: Just a splash to keep the dough soft and pliable.
Feel free to use dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor or swap out the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond milk if needed.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy tools to make these cookies. Here’s what helps:
- Mixing bowls: A large one for the dough and a smaller one for the sugar coating.
- Hand or stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for baking.
- Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookies (or just use a spoon).
If you don’t have a mixer, you can still make these cookies by hand—just be prepared for a little extra elbow grease when creaming the butter and sugar.
Preparation Method
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until fully combined.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
- Prepare the sugar coating: Pour some granulated sugar into a small bowl.
- Roll the dough: Scoop out 1.5-tablespoon portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat each ball in sugar.
- Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underbaked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro tip: Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool, ensuring that soft, chewy texture.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Don’t skip the sugar coating: It adds a lovely crunch and makes the cookies sparkle.
- Measure your flour correctly: Too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon and level it instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Chill the dough (optional): If your dough feels too soft, a quick 15-minute chill in the fridge can make it easier to handle.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Softened butter and room-temperature eggs mix better for an even dough.
- Test your oven temperature: An oven thermometer can ensure accurate baking temps.
These tips will help you get perfect cookies every single time!
Variations & Adaptations
- Double chocolate: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Spiced chocolate: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm twist.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Holiday version: Roll the dough in red and green sanding sugar for a festive look.
- Vegan adaptation: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and plant-based butter and milk.
Feel free to experiment with flavors—this recipe is your blank canvas!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa.
To store:
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reheating: Pop a cookie in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to bring back its fresh-from-the-oven softness.
These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Per cookie (approximate):
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
The cocoa powder provides antioxidants, and the recipe can be tailored to fit dietary needs like gluten-free or vegan preferences. While indulgent, these cookies can also be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert recipe, these soft and chewy chocolate sugar cookies are it. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and adaptable to suit any occasion or dietary preference. I love how they bring people together over a shared love of chocolate and cookies.
Give them a try, and let me know how they turned out in the comments below! Feel free to share your own variations—I’m always excited to see how others put their spin on this recipe. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessarily, but chilling can help if the dough feels too soft to handle.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can result from over-creaming the butter or not measuring flour accurately. Ensure your baking soda is fresh and your oven temperature is correct.
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