Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a cookie that checks every box — chewy centers, crackly sugar-coated edges, rich chocolate flavor, and quick, fuss-free prep — you just found your new favorite. This Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe delivers everything you love about classic sugar cookies but with a luscious cocoa twist. They are just as perfect for everyday baking as they are for holidays, cookie exchanges, and special occasions.
With no chilling time required, minimal ingredients, and only about 20 minutes from start to finish, this chocolate sugar cookies recipe is a must-save. Whether you enjoy them plain or coated in melted chocolate, each bite melts in your mouth with a deep cocoa richness and a soft, satisfying texture.
This post will guide you through everything from selecting the right cocoa to step-by-step baking instructions, variations, storage tips, FAQs, and more — so you can bake the best chocolate sugar cookies every single time.
Why You Will Love This Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
There are countless cookie recipes out there, but this one stands out. Here’s why:
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No chilling required — bake immediately
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One-bowl friendly and simple to follow
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Perfect crispy edges + soft, fudgy centers
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Beautiful crinkle tops that look bakery-worthy
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The dough rolls easily and holds shape when baked
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Deep chocolate flavor without bitterness
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Easy to customize with chocolate dip, sprinkles, or mix-ins
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They freeze incredibly well — dough or baked cookies
This is the kind of chocolate sugar cookies recipe you pass down through family generations.
Ingredients You Need
Below is the exact list of ingredients used in this Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe, along with a few helpful notes:
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | Room temperature helps the dough cream properly |
| Dark Brown Sugar | Adds chewiness and enhances chocolate flavor |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetness + crunch when rolling dough |
| Egg | Binds and adds richness |
| Vanilla Extract | Balances cocoa and boosts flavor |
| Molasses | Deepens moisture and gives thickness |
| All-Purpose Flour | Structure for the cookie |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | Hershey’s Special Dark recommended |
| Baking Soda | Helps cookies rise and crack on top |
| Salt | Enhances flavor and balances sweetness |
| Chocolate Chips + Oil | For optional dipping and glossy finish |
Full Ingredient List (US + Metric)
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3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
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3/4 cup (150 g) dark brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon molasses
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
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1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar — for rolling
Chocolate Dip (optional):
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1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon coconut or vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make this Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe:
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper
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Stand mixer or hand mixer
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Cookie scoop
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Mixing bowls
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Spatula
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Wire cooling rack
If you want perfectly even cookies, a digital kitchen scale is helpful but not required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bake Time: 10–11 minutes
Oven Temperature: 325°F (163°C)
Follow these directions for perfect soft and chewy chocolate sugar cookies every time:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Line two cookies sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment:
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Beat butter + brown sugar + granulated sugar
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Mix 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy
Scrape sides of bowl midway for the best texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in:
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Egg
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Vanilla extract
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Molasses
Blend until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl whisk:
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Flour
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Cocoa powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
Add dry ingredients to mixer in 3 additions, mixing until just combined.
Avoid overmixing — it stiffens the dough.
5. Scoop and Roll in Sugar
Use a large cookie scoop:
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Roll into smooth dough balls
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Coat generously in granulated sugar
Place 2–3 inches apart on baking sheets.
Slightly flatten each dough ball using your hand or the bottom of a measuring cup.
6. Bake
Bake for 10–11 minutes, until edges are set and tops crack beautifully.
Cookies will continue to set while cooling.
7. Cool
Allow cookies to remain on the baking sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Add Optional Chocolate Dip
Melt chocolate + oil in 30-second microwave intervals:
Dip half of each cooled cookie
Add sprinkles if desired
Let chocolate set at room temperature
Expert Tips for Success
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Don’t overbake — remove when they look slightly underdone
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Sift cocoa powder to avoid lumps
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Press lightly before baking — do not flatten fully
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Use room-temperature butter and egg for better texture
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Dark cocoa gives the richest brownie-like taste
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For thicker cookies, chill the dough 15 minutes (optional)
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
This Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe is incredibly adaptable. Try these fun twists:
| Variation | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Mint Chocolate | Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract |
| Mocha Cookies | Add 1 tbsp espresso powder |
| Sea Salt | Sprinkle flaky salt after baking |
| Double Chocolate Chip | Fold in 1 cup chips before rolling in sugar |
| Holiday Sprinkles | Use red/green sugar for Christmas |
| Peanut Butter Drizzle | Melt PB and zig-zag after baking |
These variations keep the recipe exciting all year long.
How to Store Chocolate Sugar Cookies
These cookies are perfect for meal prep and gifting.
| Storage Method | How Long | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 5–7 days | Keep in airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 10–12 days | Softer texture when chilled |
| Freezer (baked) | Up to 3 months | Wrap individually |
| Frozen cookie dough | Up to 3 months | Freeze scoops and bake frozen (add 1–2 mins) |
For maximum freshness, place a slice of white bread inside the cookie tin — it keeps the cookies soft.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with:
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream
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A winter hot chocolate bar
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Crushed over whipped cream desserts
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Coffee or espresso
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Holiday cookie platters
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Ice cream sandwiches
They offer all the comfort of brownies in a portable cookie format.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies too flat | Dough too warm, incorrect measurements | Chill dough 15 minutes or add 1 tbsp flour |
| Dry cookies | Overbaked or too much flour | Measure flour properly, bake less |
| No cracks on top | Oven too cool or overmixed dough | Increase baking temp 5°F or mix less |
| Grainy texture | Sugar not creamed enough | Extend creaming time |
The good news: this recipe is very forgiving and beginner-friendly.
PrintChocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a chocoholic’s dream — with crisp edges, soft fudgy centers, and a rich cocoa flavor in every bite. They’re made with simple ingredients, require no chilling, and bake up beautifully in just minutes. Enjoy them plain, coated in sugar, or dipped in smooth melted chocolate to make them extra festive!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
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¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
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¾ cup (150 g) dark brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon molasses
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
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½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (Hershey’s Special Dark recommended)
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
Optional Chocolate Coating
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1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add egg and vanilla; mix to combine.
4️⃣ Add molasses and mix on low until smooth.
5️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
6️⃣ Add dry ingredients to wet in 3 additions, mixing just until combined.
7️⃣ Scoop dough into 1.8–2 oz (large tablespoon-size) balls.
8️⃣ Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar.
9️⃣ Place 2–3 inches apart on baking sheets.
10️⃣ Gently flatten cookies using your palm or flat bottom of a measuring cup — do not over-flatten.
11️⃣ Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top and bake 10–11 minutes until edges are set and tops crack.
12️⃣ Cool on baking sheet 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes
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Room-temperature butter and egg give better texture and structure.
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Do not overbake — slightly soft centers = perfect fudginess.
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Sift cocoa powder to avoid dry clumps in your dough.
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Let them cool fully if dipping in chocolate to prevent melting.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
Approximate values (without chocolate coating):
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Calories: 224
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 11g
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Protein: 2g
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Sugar: 18g
Delicious and indulgent, just the way a chocolate sugar cookie should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa?
Yes, Dutch-process works well and makes the color richer and darker.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Swap with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Add 1 extra tablespoon if dough seems sticky.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — simply double everything. Use two baking sheets per batch.
Can I skip the molasses?
You can, but the cookies will be slightly less chewy and flavorful.
Can I chill the dough overnight?
Yes, but allow dough to sit at room temp 10–15 minutes before rolling into sugar.
Why This Is the Best Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
There are many chocolate cookie recipes out there, but this one features:
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The perfect balance of crisp and chewy
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A rich dark chocolate profile
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Eye-catching sugar-cracked tops
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Zero chill time — just bake and enjoy
It combines classic comfort with bakery-style results.
Print-Friendly Recipe Card
Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Yield: 12–14 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Ingredients and instructions provided above in full for easy reference.
Pin this chocolate sugar cookies recipe to keep handy for holidays, birthdays, and easy weeknight baking.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe brings together everything we love about classic sugar cookies and rich chocolate desserts. It’s fast, simple, and produces picture-perfect cookies that taste like they came from a gourmet bakery. From first bite to last crumb, they are soft, chewy, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible.
No chilling, no complicated steps — just a straightforward, reliable recipe you can return to again and again.
So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best chocolate sugar cookies you’ve ever baked. And don’t forget to double your batch — these cookies disappear fast.
If you make this recipe, feel free to come back and let me know how they turned out. Happy baking!
