Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Cut Out Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These tender, cocoa-flavored cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for festive decorating or simply enjoying on their own.

Ingredients

• 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 80 g (⅔ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 25 g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• ½ tsp baking powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 1–2 perforated baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder (if using).
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar using an electric mixer or paddle attachment until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined, forming a sticky dough.
6. Step 6: Use a pastry scraper to gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and shape it into a flat disk.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
8. Step 8: Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness, then freeze for 10–15 minutes to make cutting easier.
9. Step 9: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
10. Step 10: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are firm and the centers remain slightly soft.
11. Step 11: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For crisper cookies, bake a minute or two longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Substitute butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative for a different texture or dietary needs.
• Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles for a festive touch.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour when rolling out, but avoid overworking it.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid reheating as it can soften the crisp texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Brown sugar can be used but will change the texture and taste, making the cookies softer and less tender than with powdered sugar.

What is the purpose of chilling the dough?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut without sticking or losing shape during baking.

Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

Deliciously rich and tender Chocolate Cut Out Cookies made with cocoa powder and a hint of vanilla, perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats. These cookies are easy to prepare, chilled for perfect cutting, and baked to a delightful texture with slightly soft centers and firm edges.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies depending on size 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 180 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 25 g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• ½ tsp baking powder (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 80 g (⅔ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 1–2 perforated baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder (if using). This ensures an even distribution and prevents lumps in the dough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar using an electric or stand mixer with a paddle attachment until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter base.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined, forming a sticky dough. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Shape and Chill Dough: Use a pastry scraper to gather the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and shape it into a flat disk. Refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes to firm it up for easier rolling and cutting.
7. Roll and Freeze Dough: Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness. Place the rolled dough in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to make it firm and easier to cut.
8. Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough and place the cut outs onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for slight spread during baking.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are firm and the centers remain slightly soft, ensuring a perfect texture.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and clean cookie shapes.
• You can omit baking powder for a denser cookie, or include it for a slightly lighter texture.
• Ensure the egg is at room temperature to create a smooth dough.
• Use parchment paper when rolling to prevent sticking and to ease transfer to the baking sheet.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Chocolate cookies, cut out cookies, cocoa cookies, holiday cookies, baked cookies, vanilla cookies