If you have a sweet tooth and a love for chocolate, this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies bring together a soft, tender base with a rich, creamy layer of chocolate frosting that’s not just delicious but incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe offers a perfect balance of buttery flavor, a touch of sweetness, and that irresistible chocolatey finish. You’ll love how straightforward the steps are, making it simple to impress family and friends with something homemade and truly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the dough, to the cocoa powder that deepens the frosting’s chocolatey goodness, every item here comes together effortlessly.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture and smooth frosting consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy cookie base.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel undertone enhancing depth of flavor.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookies’ soft structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies ensuring they’re soft but sturdy enough to hold frosting.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently, keeping them tender yet light.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the frosting its irresistible, rich chocolate taste and dark color.
- Milk: Adds creaminess making the frosting smooth and easy to spread.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a silky texture for frosting and perfect sweetness without graininess.
How to Make Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. Cream together the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for that perfect cookie texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract to add moisture and depth of flavor, creating your flavorful wet base.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, it also ensures there won’t be any clumps in your dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until you form a soft, cohesive dough that’s ready to be shaped.
Step 3: Shape and Bake Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and roll each into a ball with your hands. Place them spaced on your prepared baking sheet and gently press down with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains soft. Removing them at just the right time locks in that tender texture.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Frosting
While the cookies cool completely on a wire rack, prepare the frosting by melting butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder right away to combine smoothly without lumps. Remove from heat before stirring in the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract carefully until smooth and spreadable. If the frosting feels too thick, add a tiny splash more milk to perfect the consistency.
Step 5: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting on each one. Set them aside for about 15 to 20 minutes so the frosting firms up a bit, making them ready to enjoy or store.
How to Serve Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bit of flair and texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate frosting. These little touches heighten both appearance and taste, turning your cookies into stunning treats that look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Chocolate frosted cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For an extra indulgent experience, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. These complementary flavors and temperatures create a cozy, satisfying dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies on a pretty plate or arranging them in a decorative tin for gifting. You can also place them around a birthday cake as edible decorations or use them as the base for an impressive ice cream sandwich. This recipe’s flexibility means your only limit is your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for several days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with visitors who drop by unexpectedly.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or save extras, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready, thaw them completely before adding the frosting for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, microwave one or two for about 10 seconds. This little warming trick brings out the softness and makes the chocolate frosting extra melty and indulgent, almost like fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe?
Butter is recommended for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine. Keep in mind this may slightly affect the richness and softness of both the cookies and frosting.
How do I make sure the cookies stay soft and don’t harden?
Proper baking time is key—take the cookies out as soon as the edges set. Also, storing them in an airtight container keeps moisture in, maintaining their soft texture for days.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts can add extra flavor and crunch. Just fold them in after mixing the dough and before shaping your cookies.
Is it necessary to cool the cookies before frosting?
Yes, cooling completely prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off. It helps the frosting set nicely for that perfect finished look.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
You can prepare the frosting a few hours in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Give it a quick stir if it thickens before spreading on the cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about homemade treats, and this Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe is no exception. It’s a lovely blend of simplicity and indulgence that anyone can make with pantry staples. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share the joy of soft, chocolate-covered cookies with your loved ones. You might even find it becoming your go-to for celebrations or cozy afternoons with a warm cup of your favorite drink.
Print
Chocolate Frosted Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Frosted Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with a rich, smooth chocolate frosting. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a classic, indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated to add flavor and bind the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening.
- Mix dry into wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms without overworking to keep cookies tender.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet and flatten each ball slightly using your fingers or the bottom of a glass for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting: While cookies cool, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add extra milk if it’s too thick.
- Frost cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly on top of each cookie using a knife or spatula.
- Set the frosting: Allow the frosted cookies to sit for 15–20 minutes so the frosting can set before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dash of sea salt on top of the frosting for a fun twist and extra texture.
- These cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
