Name: Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

If you are searching for a delightful twist on a classic favorite, the Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies combine the rich, deep flavor of Dutch-process cocoa with the simplicity and sweetness of traditional sugar cookies that you can shape into any fun design. Perfect for celebrations, cozy afternoons, or gifting to loved ones, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful cookies that are as wonderful to eat as they are to decorate. Prepare to fall in love with these charming chocolate sugar cookies that bring joy with every bite!

Ingredients You'll Need

There are stacks of dark brown, chocolate cookies shaped like a Christmas tree, a candy cane, a teddy bear, and a number 1, all placed on a metal cooling rack. Each cookie stack is made up of three thick layers with a soft texture, clearly showing the edges. The background and surface have a clean white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe relies on straightforward, essential ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that makes the dough tender to the cocoa powder that fills these cookies with irresistible chocolate goodness.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 227 g): Using room temperature butter ensures your cookies are soft and spread evenly.
Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200 g): Adds the ideal sweetness and helps with the light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Acts as a binder for the dough and adds moisture.
All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 281 g): Provides structure and the perfect base for rolling out the cookies.
Dutch-process cocoa powder (¾ cup / 94 g): Offers that rich, smooth chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives just the right lift and lightness.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate notes.

How to Make Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make sure the cookies bake evenly. This small prep step is key to getting those perfect cookie bottoms.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to cream together the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, ensuring your cookies have a lovely tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Egg

Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until the dough comes together smoothly. These wet ingredients add moisture and richness, binding your dough into one delicious mass ready for the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures the leavening and flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to your creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky — perfect for rolling. If it feels too sticky, a light dusting of flour on your surface will help with rolling.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. This thickness is ideal because it allows your cookies to bake evenly and hold their shape beautifully.

Step 7: Cut and Place Cookies

Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave about an inch of space between each cookie so they don't spread into one another as they bake.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8 to 11 minutes depending on size and thickness. The edges should look set while the centers remain slightly soft, as they will firm up while cooling. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep a close eye.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial to preserve the shape and texture before decorating or serving.

How to Serve Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

A round wire cooling rack holds nine dark brown chocolate cookies in festive shapes, including candy canes, Christmas trees, stockings, and mitten shapes. The cookies are arranged loosely in a circle on the rack with their matte texture clearly visible. The thin wire rack sits on a white marbled surface, creating a simple and clean background. The overall colors are deep brown for the cookies and black for the rack against the white marbled texture underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These chocolate sugar cookies are perfect canvases for decoration. Try dusting them with powdered sugar for a snowy look, or spread colorful icing and add sprinkles for festive occasions. For an extra touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or sprinkle edible glitter to elevate their appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe with a glass of cold milk or a cup of rich coffee or hot cocoa for a comforting treat. They also complement fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want a more indulgent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter or stack them tied with a ribbon for gifting. You can also use them as edible decorations for cakes or party favors — they bring charm and a personal touch to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their chewy texture without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead or keep extras, freeze the cut dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container to enjoy fresh anytime.

Reheating

To refresh frozen baked cookies, warm them briefly in a low oven or microwave just until soft; be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out. This little step brings back that freshly baked cookie magic instantly.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process cocoa?

Regular cocoa powder is more acidic and can slightly alter the flavor and color, but it will still work. The taste might be brighter and less smooth compared to Dutch-process cocoa.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is not too soft or melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting can help the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or other egg replacer, though the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.

Are these cookies suitable for decorating with royal icing?

Absolutely! Their firm but tender texture holds shapes well, making them ideal for intricate royal icing designs.

What’s the best way to roll out the dough?

Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper or lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking and make transfer easier.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Cut Out Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe soon because it truly is a joy to make and share. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a party, or just craving a chocolatey treat, these cookies are a lovely, easy way to brighten your day and delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Get your cookie cutters ready and have fun creating your own edible masterpieces!