Description
These soft, chocolatey cut-out cookies are perfect for any occasion. With a rich cocoa flavor and a tender texture, they can be shaped into fun designs and decorated with colorful icing or sprinkles. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (if needed to help dough come together)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough feels too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This will help the cookies hold their shape when cut out.
- Roll out and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and decorate: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 tsp of espresso powder or a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate taste.
- These cookies are great for decorating, so feel free to get creative with colors, shapes, and toppings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Decorated Cookies, Cookie Decorating, Chocolate Cookies, Sweet Treat