Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Cut Out Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic sugar cookie, with rich chocolate flavor and a soft yet sturdy texture that makes them perfect for cutting into fun shapes. These cookies hold their shape beautifully in the oven, making them ideal for decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or simply enjoying plain. Whether you’re baking for holidays, birthdays, or just because, these cookies are a delightful treat for all chocolate lovers.

The first time I made these, I was looking for something different from the usual sugar cookies. The deep chocolate aroma that filled the kitchen was enough to get everyone excited. The best part is how versatile they are—you can make them soft and chewy or bake them a little longer for a crispier texture. They’re also the perfect canvas for creative decorating, whether you go for a simple dusting of powdered sugar or elaborate designs with icing.

What’s great about these cookies is how easy they are to whip up with pantry staples like cocoa powder and butter. The dough is a dream to work with—roll it out, cut it into shapes, and bake. Whether you’re planning a fun baking day with the kids or prepping a batch for a special event, these cookies are always a hit!

Perfect for:

• Holiday cookie decorating
• Birthday parties
• Themed events
• Edible gifts
• Chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

Here’s why Chocolate Cut Out Cookies will become your go-to cookie recipe:

• Rich Chocolate Flavor: These cookies are deeply chocolaty without being overly sweet.
• Perfect for Cutting Out Shapes: The dough is easy to work with, holds its shape well, and doesn’t spread during baking.
• Soft Yet Sturdy: The cookies are soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge—perfect for decorating without falling apart.
• Versatile: You can decorate them as simply or as elaborately as you like, making them great for any occasion.
• Freezer-Friendly: The dough and baked cookies freeze well, so you can always have some on hand.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chill time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Servings: 24 cookies (depending on size)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chocolate Cut Out Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the deep chocolate flavor. Use Dutch-process cocoa for an even richer taste and darker color.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and complements the chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate Cut Out Cookies:

Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.

Shape and Bake

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

Chocolate Cut Out Cookies are perfect for any occasion:

• Decorate with Royal Icing: Personalize your cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple and elegant look, lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
• Dip in Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a more indulgent treat.
• Pair with Coffee or Milk: These cookies are perfect with a warm drink or a glass of cold milk.

Additional Tips for Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out and cut clean shapes. This also helps prevent spreading while baking.
• Roll Evenly – Use rolling pin guides or two rulers on either side of the dough to ensure even thickness for consistent baking. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness.
• Flour the Surface – Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it to avoid drying out the dough.
• Use Parchment Paper – Roll the dough between sheets of parchment paper for easy transfer and less mess. This also keeps the cookies from sticking.
• Freeze Cutouts Before Baking – After cutting your cookie shapes, pop them into the freezer for 10 minutes before baking to help maintain their sharp edges.
• Avoid Overmixing – Mix the dough just until combined to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing activates too much gluten.
• Check for Doneness Early – Chocolate cookies can be tricky to judge. Look for set edges but still soft centers, around 8–10 minutes, depending on size.
• Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – Choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa provides a rich, dark color.
• Rotate the Baking Sheet – Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. Ovens can have hot spots that bake cookies unevenly.
• Decorate After Cooling – Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or dusting with powdered sugar to avoid smudging.

Recipe Variations for Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

Here are 10 ways to switch up your Chocolate Cut Out Cookies:

1. Peppermint Chocolate Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the dough for a holiday twist.
2. Mocha Cookies: Stir in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a coffee-flavored treat.
3. Spicy Chocolate Cookies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and cinnamon for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
4. Chocolate Almond Cookies: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
5. Chocolate Orange Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy kick.
6. Double Chocolate Cookies: Fold in mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate goodness.
7. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies: Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with sea salt after baking.
8. S’mores Cookies: Top with mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers before baking.
9. Nutella-Filled Cookies: Sandwich two cookies with Nutella for an indulgent treat.
10. Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage for Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

• Freezing Dough: Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – For creaming butter and sugar thoroughly.
• Rolling Pin – Essential for rolling the dough evenly.
• Cookie Cutters – For cutting dough into desired shapes.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents cookies from sticking and helps with even baking.
• Silicone Baking Mat – An alternative to parchment paper for non-stick baking.
• Offset Spatula – Helps transfer cut-out cookies to the baking sheet without breaking.
• Cooling Rack – For cooling cookies evenly after baking.
• Dough Scraper – Useful for lifting and folding dough during rolling.
• Pastry Brush – For dusting off excess flour from the dough.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer – To sift dry ingredients like cocoa powder for a smoother dough.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chocolate Cut Out Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to use.
2. How do I prevent the dough from sticking?
   Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, and work with chilled dough.
3. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
   Yes, baked cookies freeze well. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder?
   Absolutely! Dutch-process cocoa will give the cookies a darker color and richer flavor.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

Print

Conclusion

Chocolate Cut Out Cookies are a delicious and versatile treat perfect for any occasion. With their deep, rich chocolate flavor and a sturdy yet soft texture, they’re ideal for cutting into fun shapes and decorating however you like. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday party, or just a weekend project, these cookies are guaranteed to impress!

The best part? They hold their shape beautifully while baking, making them a decorator’s dream. Top them with royal icing, sprinkles, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar to suit any theme or celebration.

I’d love to see your Chocolate Cut Out Cookie creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me. Happy baking!