Chocolate Butter Cookies
There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of rich chocolate and buttery goodness that makes Chocolate Butter Cookies an irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress. With a soft, chewy texture and a deep chocolate flavor, they offer a comforting experience that brings smiles to faces of all ages. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Chocolate Butter Cookies are a fantastic addition to your baking lineup for several reasons. They are:
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without a hitch.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or simply a cozy afternoon treat.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles to make them your own.
- Deliciously Rich: The combination of cocoa powder and butter creates a decadent flavor that’s hard to resist.
What Goes Into Chocolate Butter Cookies
To achieve the perfect Chocolate Butter Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (283 grams), room temperature (2 sticks): This is the base of our cookies, providing that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams): For sweetness and a slight crispiness.
- 1 cup brown sugar (213 grams): Adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs (100 grams), room temperature: Essential for binding and richness.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (12 grams): Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (63 grams): The star of the show, giving the cookies their chocolatey essence.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams): The structure of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (8 grams): Leavening agent for a nice rise.
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (4 grams): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams): Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt: For sprinkling on top, adding a delightful crunch.
- Colorful nonpareils sprinkles (optional): For a fun, festive touch!
Tools of the Trade
Before you start, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars a breeze.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy base for your cookies.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cookie Scoop: Helps portion out uniform cookies.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
Make Chocolate Butter Cookies: A Simple Method
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Butter Cookies!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, espresso powder, and kosher salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks remaining.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space (about 2 inches) between each cookie. If you’re using colorful nonpareils sprinkles, now is the time to sprinkle them on top!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle with coarse sea salt while they’re still warm. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Warm & Cool Weather Spins
You can enjoy these Chocolate Butter Cookies year-round by making a few simple adjustments:
- Warm Weather: Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Cool Weather: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Holiday Twist: Incorporate peppermint extract or crushed candy canes during the winter season for a festive touch.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions to elevate the visual appeal!
Author’s Commentary
These Chocolate Butter Cookies are one of my absolute favorites because they strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and buttery goodness. The espresso powder is a secret ingredient that really enhances the chocolate flavor, making each bite even more satisfying. I love to serve these cookies at gatherings, and they always disappear quickly! Whether you make them for yourself or share them with loved ones, these cookies will surely delight everyone who tries them.
How to Store & Reheat
To keep your Chocolate Butter Cookies fresh, follow these simple storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Ask & Learn
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! You can substitute coconut sugar for the brown sugar for a slightly different flavor and a lower glycemic index.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to help bring it together.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Fold in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to be set while the centers remain soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Before You Go
Baking Chocolate Butter Cookies is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating sweet memories and sharing joy with others. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness that these cookies offer. Whether with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!
Chocolate Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, espresso powder, and kosher salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks remaining.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space (about 2 inches) between each cookie. If you’re using colorful nonpareils sprinkles, now is the time to sprinkle them on top!
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle with coarse sea salt while they’re still warm. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Butter Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
