### **Rich & Easy Chocolate Sugar Cookies – Perfect for Decorating**
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### **Summary**
These Chocolate Sugar Cookies bring together the richness of cocoa with the versatility of a classic sugar cookie base. Their soft texture and sturdy shape make them ideal for cutting into your favorite shapes and decorating with icing or sprinkles. Chilling the dough ensures clean edges and perfect results every time, whether you’re baking for holidays, special occasions, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
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### **Prep Time:** 20 minutes (plus 1-hour chilling time)
### **Cook Time:** 10 minutes
### **Total Time:** 1 hour 30 minutes
### **Servings:** 24 cookies (depends on cutter size)
### **Calories per Serving:** ~140
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### **Course:** Dessert
### **Cuisine:** American
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### **Ingredients**
– **1 cup** unsalted butter, softened
– **1 cup** granulated sugar
– **1 large** egg
– **1 tsp** vanilla extract
– **2 cups** all-purpose flour
– **3/4 cup** unsweetened cocoa powder
– **1 tsp** baking powder
– **1/2 tsp** salt
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### **Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
#### **Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
#### **Step 3: Chill the Dough**
5. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
#### **Step 4: Roll and Cut**
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
#### **Step 5: Bake and Cool**
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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### **Equipment Needed**
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Plastic wrap
– Rolling pin
– Cookie cutters
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Wire cooling rack
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### **Recipe Variations**
1. **Spiced Chocolate Cookies:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
2. **Double Chocolate Delight:** Stir mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra dose of chocolate.
3. **Frosted Perfection:** Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or melted chocolate once the cookies are cool.
4. **Festive Flair:** Add food coloring to the dough for themed cookies (e.g., red for Valentine’s Day).
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### **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
**1. Why is chilling the dough important?**
Chilling helps firm up the dough, preventing the cookies from spreading while baking and ensuring clean, sharp edges.
**2. Can I freeze the dough?**
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
**3. How should I store the cookies?**
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
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### **Notes**
– Sift the cocoa powder to remove any lumps for a smoother dough.
– For an even baking experience, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
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### **Nutritional Information (per serving):**
– **Calories:** ~140
– **Fat:** 8g
– **Carbohydrates:** 17g
– **Protein:** 2g
– **Sugar:** 9g
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### **Conclusion**
These Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a rich chocolate flavor with the versatility of a classic sugar cookie. Whether you cut them into fun shapes, decorate them with icing, or enjoy them plain, these cookies are sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire!