Chocolate Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

These chocolate cutouts are perfect! About 2 hours with chilling time. The cocoa makes them rich while keeping shape for decorating. Chill dough between batches for clean cuts. Great with vanilla frosting for contrast. Made them for Valentine's Day but work for any holiday. Even better than regular sugar cookies.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:18:07 GMT
A plate of star-shaped cookies decorated with chocolate icing and white snowflake designs. Pin it
A plate of star-shaped cookies decorated with chocolate icing and white snowflake designs. | lastminrecipes.com

These chocolate cut-out sugar cookies bring such joy to holiday baking. After perfecting this recipe I've discovered the secret to achieving that perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and tender texture while keeping their shape beautifully. The way they fill the kitchen with warmth and chocolatey aromas while baking makes decorating them even more special.

Simply Perfect

What makes these chocolate cut-out sugar cookies so special is their versatility and reliable results. The dough handles beautifully making it easy to create perfect shapes every time. My family loves gathering around the table to decorate them knowing they taste as good as they look.

What You'll Need

  • Flour: Measured with care.
  • Cocoa: Rich and unsweetened.
  • Butter: Room temperature.
  • Sugar: Fine granulated.
  • Egg: Fresh large size.
  • Vanilla: Pure extract.
  • Baking Powder: Just enough lift.

Let's Start Baking

Build Your Base
Mix those dry ingredients perfectly.
Create Your Dough
Cream until light and fluffy.
Time to Chill
Patience makes perfect cookies.
Shape with Love
Roll and cut with care.

Success Secrets

The key to perfect chocolate cut-out sugar cookies lies in the chilling time. Don't rush this step it makes such a difference in how well they hold their shape. And remember to let them cool completely before decorating for the best results.

Make Them Your Own

These cookies welcome creativity. Try different shapes for various occasions or experiment with toppings. They freeze beautifully too so you can always have homemade cookies ready for decorating or enjoying plain.

A close-up of decorated star-shaped cookies with chocolate icing and white snowflake designs, set against a blurred festive background with soft lights. Pin it
A close-up of decorated star-shaped cookies with chocolate icing and white snowflake designs, set against a blurred festive background with soft lights. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill the dough?

Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to roll and cut into shapes.

→ Is almond extract necessary?

No, it's optional but adds extra depth of flavor to complement the chocolate.

→ How long can I chill the dough?

The dough can be chilled for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days before using.

→ Why divide the dough in two?

Working with smaller portions makes the dough easier to handle and roll out evenly.

→ Why use unsweetened cocoa powder?

Unsweetened cocoa powder allows control over the sweetness while providing rich chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate cut-out sugar cookies are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, offering a rich chocolate flavor that's perfect for decorating during holidays.

Chocolate Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Classic chocolate sugar cookies perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating. A chocolate twist on traditional sugar cookies.

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By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 0 cookies

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
06 1 cup granulated sugar.
07 1 large egg.
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl.

Step 02

Beat softened butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until combined.

Step 04

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients on low speed until soft dough forms.

Step 05

Divide dough in two, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least 1 hour up to 2 days.

Step 06

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Notes

  1. Requires chilling time.
  2. Can be made ahead.
  3. Good for decorating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer.
  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
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