If you’re on the hunt for a truly indulgent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a rich, chocolatey dough that’s so soft and flavorful, it’s perfectly complemented by a luxuriously smooth chocolate frosting. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of chewy cookie and creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving some homemade comfort, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the butter that ensures a soft texture to the cocoa powder that delivers deep chocolate flavor. Let’s break down the essentials:
- Butter (1 cup softened): Adds moisture and richness to the dough, guaranteeing softness.
- Sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Brings a slight caramel note and extra chewiness to your cookies.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and add tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup for frosting): Imparts a rich, intense chocolate taste both inside the cookie and on top.
- Flour (2 1/3 cups): The base of your dough, giving structure and stability.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to just the right height.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate for extra bursts of flavor.
- Salted Butter for Frosting (12 tablespoons, softened): Creates a creamy, luscious frosting base.
- Powdered Sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Light Corn Syrup (2 tablespoons): Gives the frosting a shiny finish and smooth texture.
- Heavy Cream or Milk (3 to 4 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading.
- Chocolate Sprinkles or any sprinkles: Optional fun decoration to add a festive touch.
How to Make Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar, then beat them together for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is vital for achieving that tender and airy cookie crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in your eggs and vanilla extract. Mix for an additional minute to blend these flavors fully into your batter. The eggs will help bind your ingredients, giving the dough structure, while vanilla sneakily lifts all the chocolate notes to a new level of deliciousness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Now, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients and stir just until everything comes together—you want to avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies soft. Once combined, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for those delightful pockets of melty chocolate that make every bite exciting.
Step 4: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto them, spacing each about two inches apart to give them room to spread. If you prefer a flatter cookie, lightly press each mound down with your fingers or the back of a spoon. This simple step lets you control your cookie’s thickness and chewiness exactly how you like it.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes; keep a close eye because you don’t want them overbaked. Cookies will be soft and slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven as they continue to cook on the hot baking sheet. Let them cool completely before frosting so the icing doesn’t melt away and lose its creamy texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of serving these Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe wonders is the chance to dress them up a bit. Classic chocolate sprinkles add a fun crunch and festive sparkle, but feel free to get creative with crushed nuts, edible glitter, or even a pinch of sea salt to contrast the sweet frosting.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate takes the experience to next-level satisfaction. For more elegant occasions, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels both cozy and classy.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the cookie plate by stacking these beauties into towers tied with a ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on pretty trays with parchment doilies for a party. They’re also wonderful placed inside cute mason jars, making a perfect edible gift that’s sure to wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe creations in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy their chocolate goodness throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls or fully frosted cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to treat yourself—fresh-baked taste can be enjoyed anytime.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees for 5 minutes. This little trick softens the cookie and slightly melts the frosting, recreating the ultimate chocolatey indulgence.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine in the Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe?
While margarine can work in a pinch, butter is highly recommended for its superior flavor and texture impact. Margarine might make the cookies greasier or less rich, so butter gives you the best results.
How do I make my frosting extra shiny and smooth?
Adding a bit of light corn syrup as in this recipe is key to that glossy finish. Also, be sure to beat the frosting thoroughly to remove lumps and achieve a silky consistency perfect for spreading or piping.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will intensify the chocolate flavor and add a slight bitterness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet frosting, giving a more sophisticated taste.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking or press the dough gently to your desired thickness before placing it in the oven. Also, avoid over-mixing your dough, which can cause too much spread.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes! This Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe scales up nicely, but be sure to bake in batches so your oven isn’t overcrowded, allowing even cooking and perfect cookie texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe is a delightful celebration of deep chocolate flavors and soft, tender textures topped with creamy, luscious frosting. Baking them fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma, and sharing them brings smiles all around. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your cherished favorites too, perfect for any moment when you want to spoil yourself or loved ones with something truly special.
Print
Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and chocolatey Chocolate Frosted Cookies featuring a soft, fudgy cookie base topped with a creamy cocoa frosting and festive sprinkles. These cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers and make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 1/3 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Frosting
- 12 Tablespoons Salted Butter (3/4 cup or 1 1/2 sticks, softened)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
- 3 to 4 Tablespoons Heavy Cream or Milk
- Chocolate Sprinkles or any sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Cream: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar for 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture and beat for 1 more minute until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix gently just until the ingredients are fully combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully to distribute evenly.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place cookie dough balls onto parchment paper-lined, light-colored baking sheets, spacing them at least two inches apart. For flatter cookies, lightly press down on each dough ball before baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Take care not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook slightly after removal. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened salted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with light corn syrup and heavy cream (or milk), mixing until creamy and fluffy. Adjust consistency with additional cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost & Decorate: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the chocolate frosting over the top of each cookie. Finish by sprinkling with chocolate sprinkles or your choice of decorative sprinkles. Allow frosting to set before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best mixing results.
- Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- Adjust frosting consistency depending on preference for spreading or piping.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
