Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Cut Out Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich cocoa flavor with a tender, buttery texture. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain, these cookies are easy to make and fun for all occasions.

Ingredients

• 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 80 g (2/3 cup) powdered sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 25 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 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, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder if using.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar using an electric mixer 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 and mix on low speed just until a sticky dough forms.
6. Step 6: Gather the dough into a ball using a pastry scraper, wrap it in plastic wrap, and flatten into a 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 1/8 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 arrange 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 before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate taste.
• Use various shaped cookie cutters to suit holidays or special occasions.
• If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar by 10–20 grams.
• Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing or chocolate drizzle for a festive touch.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Reheat slightly before serving if you prefer them warm, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Substituting margarine may affect taste and texture, and oil is not advised as it changes the dough’s consistency and the cookie’s structure.

Why should I chill and freeze the dough before cutting?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out without sticking or tearing. Freezing briefly after rolling helps the dough hold its shape when cutting and during baking, resulting in cleaner edges on your cookies.

Chocolate Cut Out Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delight in these rich and tender Chocolate Cut Out Cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a chocolatey treat. This recipe combines cocoa powder with a buttery, sweet dough that is chilled and rolled out to create fun shapes, then baked until just set for a slightly soft center. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile, these cookies are ideal for decorating or enjoying plain.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 180 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 25 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 80 g (2/3 cup) powdered sugar
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 1–2 perforated baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder (if used) to ensure even distribution and a smooth dough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture turns smooth and creamy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully blended and uniform.
5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until a sticky dough forms. 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 into a flat disk. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
7. Roll and Freeze: Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness, then place it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to make cutting shapes easier.
8. Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes from the firmed dough, then arrange the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes until edges are firm and centers are still slightly soft, indicating perfect doneness.
10. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breaking.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and helps achieve crisp edges.
• Baking powder is optional but can make the cookies slightly lighter and more tender.
• For best results, use room temperature egg for smooth incorporation.
• These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles after cooling if desired.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate cookies, cut out cookies, cocoa cookies, holiday cookies, baked chocolate treats, sugar cookies chocolate