There’s something magical about Christmas baking, and chocolate sugar cookies add a delightful twist to your holiday tradition. These cookies are soft, rich, and packed with chocolate flavor, making them a perfect treat for the festive season. Whether you’re baking with your family, preparing gifts, or setting up a dessert table, chocolate sugar cookies bring joy to every occasion.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Chocolate sugar cookies are more than just delicious; they’re an experience. Here’s why they’ll become a favorite in your household:

• Rich chocolate flavor: Cocoa powder adds a deep, indulgent taste.
• Perfect for decorating: These cookies hold their shape and are a blank canvas for festive designs.
• Soft and chewy texture: With the right technique, these cookies stay tender and delicious.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance for stress-free holiday baking.
• Fun for all ages: Decorating cookies is a holiday activity everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	¾ cup
Baking powder	1 tsp
Salt	1/8 tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	¾ cup
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Large egg (room temperature)	1
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

For Decorating:

Ingredient	Quantity
Royal icing or glaze	As needed
Assorted sprinkles	As needed

How to Make Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed.
2. Mix for about 2 minutes until light and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed.
2. Mix until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain.

Step 5: Roll and Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two portions.
2. Roll each portion to ¼-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper.
3. Stack the rolled dough (with parchment paper) and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Step 6: Cut and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and cut shapes using cookie cutters.
3. Re-roll the scraps and cut additional shapes.
4. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate the Cookies

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate them with royal icing or glaze.
2. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations to make them festive.
3. Allow the icing to set before serving or packaging.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Carbohydrates	16g
Sugar	10g
Protein	1.5g

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies

• Use quality cocoa powder: A good unsweetened cocoa powder makes a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and ensures the cookies hold their shape.
• Roll evenly: Use rolling guides or rulers to maintain consistent thickness.
• Watch the baking time: Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Remove them when the edges are just set.
• Decorate creatively: Use piping bags, edible paints, or even chocolate drizzle for unique designs.

Creative Decoration Ideas

• Holiday Themes: Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters (trees, stars, snowflakes) and festive colors for icing.
• Layered Designs: Pipe multiple colors or layers of icing for intricate designs.
• Simple Elegance: Dust cookies with powdered sugar or edible gold dust for a minimalist look.
• Fun for Kids: Let children add their favorite sprinkles, candies, or edible glitter.

FAQs About Chocolate Sugar Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be chilled for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.

2. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

3. Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
Absolutely! It will provide a deeper chocolate flavor, but adjust the baking powder slightly if needed.

4. How do I prevent sticking when rolling the dough?
Roll the dough between parchment paper or lightly dust it with cocoa powder instead of flour.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

6. What can I use instead of royal icing?
A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract works well for decorating.

Why Chocolate Sugar Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas

Chocolate sugar cookies combine the magic of holiday baking with the indulgence of chocolate. They’re versatile, fun to make, and offer endless decorating possibilities. Whether you’re building a holiday cookie platter, creating edible gifts, or hosting a decorating party, these cookies add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations.

Bake Chocolate Sugar Cookies This Christmas

Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of chocolate sugar cookies. With their rich flavor and festive appeal, they’re sure to be a hit with family, friends, and even Santa! Happy baking!

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