Chocolate Sugar Cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of classic sugar cookies with deep chocolate flavor. These cookies bake up tender on the inside with lightly crisp edges and a beautiful crackled finish. They are easy to make, perfect for holidays, and ideal for everyday baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep chocolate flavor without bitterness
- Soft centers with lightly crisp edges
- Simple pantry ingredients
- No dough chilling required
- Perfect for holidays, gifting, and bake sales
Ingredients

- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Scoop dough into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat completely.
- Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges set and tops crackle.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Use room-temperature butter for even mixing
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness
- Roll in powdered sugar for a crinkle look
- Replace vanilla with almond extract for variation
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature
- Keep fresh for up to 5 days
- Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months
- Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve with milk or hot chocolate
- Add to holiday cookie trays
- Sandwich with cream filling
- Crumble over ice cream
- Package as edible gifts
Frequently Asked Questions
Overbaking causes dryness. Remove cookies when edges set and centers remain soft.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Store dough covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No. This recipe bakes perfectly without chilling.
Can I use Dutch-process cocoa?
Yes. Use Dutch-process cocoa for deeper chocolate flavor.
Ready to Make It?
These Chocolate Sugar Cookies deliver rich chocolate flavor with soft, chewy texture every time. They bake quickly, look beautiful, and disappear fast. Save this recipe and bake a batch whenever a chocolate craving hits.
You Might Also Like
- Cherry Pie Cookies – Fruity and buttery cookie twist.
- Salted Caramel Truffles – Rich chocolate candy treat.
- Strawberry Brownies – Fudgy bars with fruit flavor.
- Muesli Oat Cookies – Wholesome chewy cookies.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy Chocolate Sugar Cookies with rich cocoa flavor and crackled tops.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven and line baking sheets.
2. Whisk dry ingredients.
3. Cream butter and sugars.
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
5. Mix in dry ingredients.
6. Roll dough into balls and coat in sugar.
7. Bake until edges set.
8. Cool and serve.
Notes
Do not overbake.
Use room temperature butter.
Roll fully in sugar for crackle effect.
Store airtight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg