If you have a craving for rich, indulgent sweets, this Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a cookie that is deeply chocolatey, fudgy in texture, and perfectly soft with just a hint of sweetness dusted on top. Every ingredient works harmoniously to create a cookie that is comforting and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into cookie making, this recipe is straightforward enough to guide you to success while delivering all the deliciousness you could want from a chocolate treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look familiar, but each one plays an important role in delivering that heavenly texture and flavor. From the cocoa powder to the vanilla extract, every item is essential to create the perfect balance of fudgy goodness and subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, ensuring your cookies hold together just right.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that rich chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for the perfect chewy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and chocolate flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moistness and a subtle caramel depth to the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together while adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate heaven in every bite.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a delicate sweet finish and beautiful contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and to make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is important because thoroughly mixing your dry ingredients ensures your cookie dough will have an even chocolate flavor and rise uniformly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two minutes. This aeration creates a tender crumb and a slightly chewy texture in your finished cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The egg adds moisture and richness, while the vanilla contributes to the warm, inviting aromas throughout your baking kitchen.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and sugar bowl, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part: fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This distributes gooey bursts of chocolate throughout each cookie, enhancing flavor and texture.
Step 7: Portion Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading without crowding.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This timing ensures the cookies remain fudgy inside, with just enough structure on the outside.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the baking sheet. This resting time helps them firm up without losing their tender interior before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Add a Sweet Dusting
Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast. Fresh raspberries on the side make for a vibrant garnishment that complements the deep chocolate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a mug of creamy hot cocoa for the ultimate indulgence. For a grown-up twist, pairing the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream is pure delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a dollop of marshmallow fluff or peanut butter for an irresistible treat. Alternatively, arrange them on a dessert platter with fresh fruits and nuts for a pretty spread that will impress any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread inside the container— it absorbs excess moisture and keeps cookies fresh longer.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying their fudgy goodness again.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for five minutes to revive their soft, just-baked texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips offer a richer, slightly more bitter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet dough. It’s a lovely variation to try if you prefer a deeper chocolate taste.
Why do my chocolate fudge cookies come out cakey instead of fudgy?
Over-mixing the dough or baking the cookies too long can cause cakey results. Be gentle when combining ingredients and watch the baking time carefully, removing them as soon as edges are set but centers remain soft.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a non-dairy alternative and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg. Also, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious!
Is it okay to use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar adds moisture and a bit of caramel flavor that white sugar lacks. You can use white sugar in a pinch, but your cookies might turn out slightly less chewy and flavorful.
How thick should I make the cookies when dropping the dough onto the baking sheet?
Use about a tablespoon of dough per cookie and space them 2 inches apart. This size allows them to spread just enough to become perfectly fudgy and soft without becoming too flat or thin.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking a batch of these homemade Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe. They’re easy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying from the first bite to the last crumb. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to gather smiles and requests for seconds. So go ahead, mix up a batch today and treat yourself to a little chocolatey love!
Print
Chocolate Fudge Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and fudgy chocolate fudge cookies bursting with semi-sweet chocolate chips. These soft-center cookies are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, they are ideal for any occasion or a sweet everyday treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins & Garnish
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. This step incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, adding moisture and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Portion Dough on Baking Sheet: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly before transferring.
- Transfer and Dust: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, lightly dust with powdered sugar to add sweetness and a decorative finish.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- If you like extra fudgy centers, bake closer to 10 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

