If you have a sweet spot for rich, melt-in-your-mouth treats, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the perfect amount of deep cocoa flavor with the creamy smoothness of butter, creating a buttery tender cookie that’s balanced with a hint of espresso and a sprinkle of sea salt to highlight every note. Baking these cookies is not only a joy but also a chance to fill your home with the most irresistible aroma. Whether it’s for sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment alone, this Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role. From the luscious butter that provides richness to the cocoa powder that brings chocolate intensity, you’ll find that each element is essential to achieving those delightful flavors and textures.
- Unsalted butter (1¼ cups / 283g): Ensures a creamy texture and lets you control the saltiness precisely.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g): Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- Brown sugar (1 cup / 213g): Brings depth and a subtle caramel note thanks to its molasses content.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together while adding moisture and richness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Lends a warm, fragrant undertone that layers beautifully with chocolate.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (¾ cup / 63g): The star for that intense chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 240g): Provides structure to the cookies, keeping them tender yet sturdy.
- Baking soda (1¼ tsp): Helps the cookies rise gently for a perfect texture.
- Espresso powder (1½ tsp): Enhances the chocolate’s richness without adding a coffee taste.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Coarse sea salt (¾ tsp): Sprinkled on top for a delightful salty crunch contrast.
- Colorful nonpareils sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun and festive pop of color on the cookies.
How to Make Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming the room temperature unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is key for creating the perfect tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Then, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. This mixture is the creamy base that will envelop your cocoa magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, espresso powder, kosher salt, and coarse sea salt. Combining these dry elements ensures even distribution of flavors and leavening, crucial for that soft yet slightly chewy cookie texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture on low speed until no dry pockets remain. Overmixing here can toughen cookies, so keep it light and aim for just combined dough that’s rich with chocolate and buttery goodness.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Logs
Cover a clean surface with plastic wrap and shape half of the dough—sticky as it may be—into a log roughly 10 to 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. This step helps in slicing uniform cookies later and ensures even baking. Wrap the log tightly with the plastic wrap and repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough logs into the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking. Plus, resting allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack to the middle. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup—these little prep steps make a big difference in your baking experience.
Step 7: Slice and Arrange the Cookies
Using a sharp knife, slice the dough logs into ½ inch thick rounds. Place each cookie slice on the baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. This spacing ensures each cookie gets perfectly crisp edges while remaining tender inside.
Step 8: Decorate with Sprinkles
If you’re feeling playful, liberally sprinkle the cookie rounds with colorful nonpareils, pressing lightly so they adhere. The vibrant sprinkles add a joyful touch and a bit of texture contrast that will make your Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe stand out visually and texturally.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. This timing keeps the centers soft and chewy, a hallmark of a well-made butter cookie that holds moisture and flavor perfectly.
Step 10: Cool on a Wire Rack
Once baked, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial because the cookies firm up as they rest, allowing you to fully appreciate that tender crumb and rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate your Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe from everyday to special occasion ready. For a fun twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt right before serving to awaken the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a classic combo. A warm cup of espresso or a cold glass of milk is just perfect to complement the cookies’ rich chocolate and buttery notes, creating a cozy and indulgent snack time experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe with layers of whipped cream or even spread a thin layer of Nutella or peanut butter between two cookies for an irresistible sandwich treat. For parties, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a colorful and inviting display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their freshness and chewiness. Placing a slice of bread in the container can even help keep them soft and moist longer.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze the dough logs wrapped in plastic wrap and foil before slicing and baking later—this makes for quick and fresh cookie batches anytime.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness. This little trick refreshes their texture as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter?
Yes, you can, but be mindful to reduce the added kosher and sea salt slightly to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter gives you better control of salt levels overall.
What does the espresso powder do in this recipe?
Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. It deepens the cocoa notes, adding complexity to the cookie’s profile.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Absolutely! A hand mixer works fine for creaming the butter and sugars as well as mixing the dough. Just be sure to scrape the bowl sides frequently for even mixing.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling solidifies the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
The Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe produces cookies that are tender and slightly chewy with crisp edges, striking a lovely balance that most chocolate cookie lovers adore.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking to bake a batch of irresistible, classic chocolate cookies that never disappoint. The combination of rich cocoa, buttery texture, and a hint of espresso transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Grab your mixing bowl, call up some friends or family, and enjoy the happiness that comes straight from your oven. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your all-time favorites to bake again and again.
Print
Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 42 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and buttery Chocolate Butter Cookies, perfectly balanced with cocoa and espresso powder for a deep, complex flavor. Crisp edges and soft centers make them irresistible, while optional colorful nonpareils add a festive touch.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1¼ cups unsalted butter (283g, room temperature, 2½ sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup brown sugar (213g)
- 2 large eggs (100g, room temperature)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract (12g)
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (63g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1¼ tsp baking soda (8g)
- 1½ tsp espresso powder (4g)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (3g)
- ¾ tsp coarse sea salt
Toppings (Optional)
- Colorful nonpareils sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and both sugars together on medium-low speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until incorporated, about 1 minute.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the cocoa, flour, baking soda, espresso powder, and both salts together until evenly combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until no dry flour remains and the dough is uniform.
- Shape the dough: Cover a clean work surface with plastic wrap. Roll half of the sticky dough into a log approximately 10-12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter using the plastic wrap to assist. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 2 hours to firm up for slicing.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough: Cut the chilled dough logs into ½ inch thick rounds and place them about 3 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
- Add sprinkles: Generously sprinkle each dough circle with colorful nonpareils if desired, pressing lightly so they stick to the dough.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are just set but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Keep the dough chilled to make slicing easier and maintain cookie shape.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Sprinkles provide a colorful festive look but can be skipped for a classic chocolate cookie.
