Soft and Chewy Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a freshly baked cookie, especially when it’s one that combines the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the sweet, sugary crunch that makes every bite so satisfying. If you’re on the lookout for a super easy, time-saving cookie recipe that yields a batch of melt-in-your-mouth treats, I’ve got just the thing for you.

These chocolate sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, with just the right amount of sugar on top to make them extra special.

I’ve always loved baking cookies, but I’m not into complicated recipes that require a ton of ingredients or techniques. This recipe, however, is simple and quick, and I can almost guarantee that you’ll find yourself making these cookies again and again.

The best part? They’re made with basic pantry ingredients, so you probably have everything you need already. That means you can bake a batch without even having to make a trip to the store!

These chocolate sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just because you want something sweet. So, if you’re ready to bake some delicious cookies, let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Amazing Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Before you start, let’s make sure you have everything you need. The ingredients for these cookies are simple, but together they create the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and sugary sweetness.

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – This is your base. I always use regular all-purpose flour for cookie recipes because it gives the perfect texture and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – This gives the cookies their deep chocolate flavor. Don’t skimp on this! The unsweetened cocoa powder is the key to getting that rich, intense chocolate taste.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda – This helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – A little salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The butter provides richness and helps create that perfect, soft cookie texture. Make sure it’s softened, not melted, so the dough comes together properly.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – This is for the dough itself. The sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also helps them spread out and become that chewy texture we all love.
• 2 large eggs – Eggs bind everything together and help create a nice, soft cookie.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – The vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the cookies.
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough balls) – This is for rolling the dough into balls before baking. The sugar gives the cookies a sweet, crunchy outer layer that’s simply irresistible.

It’s amazing how just a few ingredients can come together to create something so delicious. These ingredients are easy to find, and once you have them ready, you’re all set to start baking.

How to Make the Best Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Now, let’s get into the fun part—baking! These cookies are quick to make, and I can promise you that they’re worth the few minutes of prep time. Trust me, once you taste the end result, you’ll see how easy it was to make such a delicious treat.

1. Mix Your Dry Ingredients

The first step in making these chocolate sugar cookies is to mix together your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. I’ve learned that it’s really important to make sure your dry ingredients are mixed together thoroughly, so don’t skip this step. It helps ensure that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed and that you won’t have any clumps in your dough. Plus, the baking soda and salt will be spread throughout, which will help the cookies bake up perfectly.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Next, you’ll want to cream the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I always use a stand mixer for this part because it makes it so much easier, but a hand mixer or even a whisk will work just fine if you don’t have a stand mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar together not only helps with the texture but also makes the cookies extra soft.

Once the butter and sugar are combined, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This is the point where the dough will start to come together and become smooth and creamy. It smells so good, right? The vanilla is like the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. I always add the dry ingredients in batches, so they don’t fly everywhere. The dough should be thick and a little sticky, which is perfect for rolling into balls.

If the dough is too soft or sticky to handle, you can pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This step is optional, but I find that it makes it easier to roll the dough into balls without making a mess.

4. Roll the Dough into Balls

Here comes the fun part—rolling the dough! Use about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough to roll into balls. I like to roll them by hand, but if you want perfectly uniform balls, you can use a cookie scoop. Once you’ve rolled the dough into balls, coat each ball in granulated sugar. This is where the cookies get their signature sugar coating, which gives them a nice crunch when you bite into them.

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread a little as they bake, so make sure there’s room for them to expand.

5. Bake the Cookies

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven (set to 350°F or 175°C) and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should look slightly soft in the middle, but the edges will be set. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone when you pull them out—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Once the cookies are baked, let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is important because it allows the cookies to set up and get that perfect texture.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that help make these cookies turn out just right every time. Here are some of my favorite tips:

• Use room temperature butter. It’s key for getting that smooth dough that’s easy to roll into balls.
• Don’t overmix the dough. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want soft and chewy ones!
• Chill the dough if needed. If the dough is too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for a little while to firm it up.
• Use parchment paper. It’s a game-changer for easy cleanup and ensures the cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet.

How to Store Your Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Now that you have a delicious batch of cookies, you might be wondering how to store them. If you have any left (which I doubt, but just in case!), you can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they start to get a little dry, pop a slice of bread in the container with the cookies—this helps keep them soft.

You can also freeze the cookies! Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Whenever you’re ready to enjoy one, just take it out of the freezer, and it’ll thaw in no time.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate sugar cookies are so easy to make, and they’re always a hit! Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, a holiday, or just because you want a treat, they’ll never disappoint. The combination of rich chocolate and sugary goodness is perfect for anyone who loves a soft, chewy cookie.

Give these a try the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet. And if you do, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Drop me a comment and let me know how your batch came out. Happy baking!